Israeli PM Netanyahu Responds to UK Prime Minister Starmer’s Call for Gaza Ceasefire

Israeli PM Netanyahu Responds to UK Prime Minister Starmer’s Call for Gaza Ceasefire

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his allies of offering Hamas a “huge reward” by calling for an end to Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a joint statement condemning the Israeli government’s “grave criminal” actions and warned that if Netanyahu does not change course, the UK and its allies will take “tougher measures.”

However, Netanyahu made it clear that his country would continue its campaign with the goal of achieving “total victory” over Hamas.

In the joint statement, Starmer, Macron, and Carney said:

“If Israel does not halt its military offensive and lift restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will adopt stronger actions.”

They also called on Hamas to release the hostages taken during the “barbaric attack” on October 7, 2023.

“We have always supported Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorism,” the three leaders stated.
“But this operation is completely disproportionate and excessive.”

In response, Netanyahu said:

“By calling on Israel to end a defensive war—which is essential for our survival—and by advocating for the establishment of a Palestinian state, the leaders in London, Ottawa, and Paris are offering Hamas a huge reward for the genocidal attack on October 7, and paving the way for more such attacks in the future.”

He further added:

“The war could end tomorrow—if the remaining hostages are freed, Hamas lays down its arms, its murderous leaders go into exile, and the Gaza Strip is fully demilitarized.
No nation should settle for less—and certainly not Israel.”

“This is a war of barbarism against civilization. Israel will continue to defend itself in a just manner until ‘complete victory’ is achieved.”

Meanwhile, Tom Fletcher, the UN’s humanitarian aid chief and a former British diplomat, stated that nine aid trucks were allowed into Gaza after Israel eased the blockade—“but that amounts to a mere drop in the ocean compared to urgent needs.”

He warned:

“We must be realistic about what aid trucks can deliver today, as the ongoing bombardment and extreme food shortages pose serious risks of looting and insecurity.”