Israel Faces Sharp Rebuke from UK, France, and Canada Over Gaza Offensive
WafricNews – May 20, 2025
A turning point in the war on Gaza appears to have arrived, as three of Israel’s closest Western allies—France, the United Kingdom, and Canada—have issued their strongest condemnation yet of the ongoing military campaign, signalling that Israel’s international credit of goodwill is rapidly vanishing.
The joint statement comes amid growing horror at the escalating humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza. The trio of nations has called for an immediate halt to Israel’s offensive, describing the level of suffering as "intolerable" and the military escalation as “wholly disproportionate.”
"Support, Not a Blank Check"
Following the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack that killed 1,200 people and saw over 250 taken hostage, Israel launched a full-scale war backed heavily by American military support. But while Washington supplied weapons, other allies offered political solidarity. That solidarity, however, now appears to be unraveling.
The governments of the UK, France and Canada have made it clear: while they recognize Israel’s right to self-defence, they do not support the ongoing bombardment and tightening blockade of Gaza.
The latest military offensive, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claims is aimed at eradicating Hamas and freeing hostages, has instead drawn global condemnation. His move to allow what he termed “minimal” humanitarian aid into Gaza was slammed by the three nations as “wholly inadequate.”
Netanyahu Digs In
In defiance of the backlash, Netanyahu has struck a combative tone. “The leaders in London, Ottawa, and Paris are rewarding terror,” he said, accusing them of emboldening Hamas. He reiterated demands for Hamas to disarm, release hostages, and allow the demilitarisation of Gaza as preconditions for any ceasefire.
Netanyahu, who is currently the subject of an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity—charges he calls “antisemitic”—has faced mounting international pressure amid reports of imminent famine in Gaza.
The European Council President António Costa, speaking at a UK-EU summit in London, described Gaza’s humanitarian situation as “a tragedy where international law is being systematically violated.”
Escalation, Denial, and Outrage
Criticism intensified after a deadly incident on March 23, when Israeli forces killed 15 paramedics and aid workers during an airstrike on a marked humanitarian convoy in Gaza. Israel initially denied wrongdoing, but a recovered phone video from one of the victims contradicted the official narrative, showing the convoy being deliberately attacked.
The backlash from the aid worker killings has been seismic. A senior European diplomat told WafricNews that this moment marked “a political line being crossed”, with Israel’s conduct now being viewed as impunity rather than security.
Only five aid trucks were allowed into Gaza on the same day, even as strikes continued killing civilians—including women and children—raising further alarm across the international community.
Netanyahu’s decision to open limited humanitarian access also angered his far-right coalition partners. Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, once convicted for inciting racism, condemned the move, claiming it would "revive Hamas while our hostages rot in tunnels."
Growing Global Pressure
What may once have seemed like tepid criticism from Israel's Western allies is quickly evolving into a serious political threat. The joint statement by France, the UK, and Canada warned: “We will not stand by while the Netanyahu government pursues these egregious actions.”
Though no specific retaliatory measures were listed, sources suggest that sanctions or even formal recognition of Palestinian statehood could be on the table. France is expected to address the matter during an upcoming conference co-chaired with Saudi Arabia in New York this June. The UK is reportedly engaged in similar discussions.
For many critics—especially those who have marched globally for months calling for an end to the bloodshed—this condemnation is long overdue. From Gaza to the West Bank, reports of civilian killings, mass displacement, and settler violence have continued unabated.
Still, the diplomatic language is shifting, and so is the balance of pressure. As Western allies reassess their stance, Israel may be finding itself increasingly isolated on the global stage.
By WafricNews Desk.
By WafricNews Desk.
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