Tel Aviv [Israel], May 20 (HBTV): Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday (local time) issued a strong rebuke against the United Kingdom, France, and Canada after they jointly criticised Israel’s recent military operations in Gaza. Netanyahu accused the three nations of effectively rewarding Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel and reaffirmed his country’s resolve to continue its campaign until achieving 'total victory'.
In a sharply worded post on X, Netanyahu stated: ‘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 continued: ‘This is a war of civilisation over barbarism. Israel will continue to defend itself by just means until total victory is achieved.’
Recalling the origins of the conflict, Netanyahu said: ‘The war began on October 7 when Palestinian terrorists stormed our borders, murdered 1,200 innocent people and abducted over 250 more innocents to the dungeons of Gaza.’
He also laid out the conditions for ending the war, adding: ‘Israel accepts President Trump’s vision and urges all European leaders to do the same. 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.’
Netanyahu’s remarks came hours after the UK, France, and Canada issued a joint declaration condemning Israel’s latest military escalation under the Gideon's Chariots offensive, which began on Saturday. The joint statement expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, criticised Israel’s restrictions on aid delivery and settlement activity in the West Bank, and warned of potential consequences if Israel did not halt its military action.
The three nations also reiterated their support for ceasefire efforts led by the US, Qatar, and Egypt, and called for progress towards a two-state solution.
(ANI)