Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Sir Keir Starmer of offering Hamas a “huge prize” after the UK Prime Minister and allies called for an end to military operations in Gaza.
Sir Keir, along with French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian premier Mark Carney, condemned the Israeli government’s “egregious” actions in Gaza, warning that the UK and allies will take “concrete actions” unless Mr Netanyahu changes course.
But the Israeli prime minister said his country would press on for “total victory” over Hamas.
In a joint statement, Sir Keir, Mr Macron and Mr Carney said: “If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response.”
My joint statement with @Keir_Starmer and @EmmanuelMacron on the situation in Gaza and the West Bank:
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) May 19, 2025
“We strongly oppose the expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable. Yesterday’s announcement that Israel will allow…
The leaders called on Hamas to release the hostages it took in the “heinous attack” on October 7 2023.
“We have always supported Israel’s right to defend Israelis against terrorism,” the three leaders said.
“But this escalation is wholly disproportionate.”
Mr Netanyahu hit back, saying: “By asking Israel to end a defensive war for our survival before Hamas terrorists on our border are destroyed and by demanding a Palestinian state, the leaders in London, Ottawa and Paris are offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7 while inviting more such atrocities.”
He added: “The war can end tomorrow if the remaining hostages are released, Hamas lays down its arms, its murderous leaders are exiled and Gaza is demilitarised.
“No nation can be expected to accept anything less and Israel certainly won’t.
“This is a war of civilisation over barbarism. Israel will continue to defend itself by just means until total victory is achieved.”
Israeli authorities have temporarily allowed us to deliver limited aid to Gaza after 11 weeks of blockade.
— Tom Fletcher (@UNReliefChief) May 19, 2025
A drop in the ocean. It must reach the civilians who need it so urgently, and we must be allowed to scale up.
We are determined to save as many lives as we can. pic.twitter.com/Ai5m9cawqt
The UN’s humanitarian relief chief Tom Fletcher – a former British diplomat – said nine aid trucks were cleared to enter after Israel’s blockade was lifted, “but it is a drop in the ocean of what is urgently needed”.
“Our expectations for today’s crossings are realistic: given ongoing bombardment and acute hunger levels, the risks of looting and insecurity are significant,” he warned.
