Gaza humanitarian crisis fuels verbal spat between Israel and western leaders

In remarks reflecting his clear anger toward the new Western stances, Netanyahu accused UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney of standing “on the wrong side of humanity,” claiming their joint statement on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and criticism of Israel’s ongoing military operations has strengthened what he called “terrorism.”

Starmer, Macron, and Carney had previously issued a joint statement warning against the expansion of Israel’s military operations, deeming them contrary to international humanitarian law. The statement also emphasized that the level of human suffering in Gaza is “unacceptable” and that Israel must face sanctions if its attacks do not cease.

Luke Pollard, UK Deputy Defense Minister, responded to the verbal attack, stating: “Our position on the peace process is clear: an immediate return to a ceasefire, the release of hostages (Israeli captives), and the large-scale entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza are the only ways to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.” He added: “The humanitarian situation in Gaza is unacceptable, and we call for unimpeded access to aid for the region.”

Meanwhile, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot criticized Netanyahu’s remarks, stressing: “Accusing anyone who supports a two-state solution of antisemitism or backing Hamas is a ridiculous and slanderous charge.”

In recent weeks, Western countries that previously supported Israel have gradually shifted their tone due to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Starmer government suspended some arms export licenses to Israel a few months ago and resumed funding for UNRWA.

London is considering formally recognizing the state of Palestine at the upcoming UN session, a move that, if finalized, could mark a turning point in Western diplomatic stances on the Palestinian issue.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy also suspended trade talks with Israel earlier this week, summoned the Israeli ambassador, and imposed sanctions on settlers in the West Bank.

Recently, informed sources in the UK government revealed plans to consider sanctions against two senior Israeli cabinet ministers. British authorities are reportedly actively exploring travel bans and asset freezes targeting Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Internal Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, two hardline figures known for supporting settlement expansion, structural violence, and the spread of occupation in the West Bank.

On the other hand, the European Union has officially launched a review of its cooperation agreement with Israel. Anwar Al-Aouni, a senior spokesperson for the European Commission, announced during a Thursday press briefing in Brussels: “The EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs has initiated the review process, and the Commission’s specialized services, in collaboration with the European External Action Service, have been tasked with carrying out this review.”

He added that the focus at this stage is on assessing Israel’s compliance with the agreement’s commitments, particularly in the areas of human rights and fundamental principles of partnership.