STORY
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today launched a blistering response to a joint warning from the United Kingdom, France and Canada, accusing their leaders of “offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel” and “inviting more such atrocities.” On Monday, the three Western governments threatened “concrete actions” unless Israel halted its renewed military offensive in Gaza and lifted restrictions on humanitarian aid, decrying what they called “egregious actions” that risked breaching international humanitarian law.
Luke Pollard (in photo), the Foreign Office Minister, rejected the attack, stating on BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme:
“We are absolutely clear that the best way to bring peace to the Middle East is with an immediate ceasefire being restored in Gaza, with Hamas releasing the hostages without any further delay and with massive amounts of aid getting to the Palestinian people in Gaza. Food, water and medical supplies should be delivered without delay. That’s the best way to secure a safe future for Israelis and Palestinians alike, with a ceasefire, with hostage release and with aid getting through.”
The exchange comes amid mounting international pressure over Israel’s conduct in Gaza, where the military campaign has displaced nearly all residents and caused extensive civilian casualties. Western allies, including the United States, Qatar and Egypt, continue to push for an immediate ceasefire, while Hamas has hailed the joint statement as a step towards restoring humanitarian norms.