Netanyahu slams Starmer, Macron, Carney over Israel’s military operation criticism
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused the leaders of Britain, France and Canada of offering Hamas a “huge prize” after they called for an end to intensified military operations in Gaza.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney earlier condemned the Israeli government’s “egregious” escalation in Gaza, warning of concrete actions unless Netanyahu changes course.
But the Israeli prime minister said his country would press on for total victory over Hamas.
In a joint statement, Messrs Starmer, Macron and Carney said, “If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response.”
The leaders called on Hamas to release the hostages it took in the heinous attack on October 7, 2023.
“We have always supported Israel’s right to defend Israelis against terrorism,” the three leaders said. “But this escalation is wholly disproportionate.”
Mr Netanyahu hit back, saying, “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 added, “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. This is a war of civilisation over barbarism. Israel will continue to defend itself by just means until total victory is achieved.”
The UN’s humanitarian relief chief, Tom Fletcher, a former British diplomat, said nine aid trucks were cleared to enter after Israel’s blockade was lifted, “but it is a drop in the ocean of what is urgently needed”.
“Our expectations for today’s crossings are realistic: given ongoing bombardment and acute hunger levels, the risks of looting and insecurity are significant,” he warned.
(dpa/NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Lagos man in court for alleged N3 million Kuwait work visa fraud
The prosecutor said the offences contravene the provisions of sections 287, 314 and 411, of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
NationWide
NBC expands FreeTV access to mobile devices
The National Broadcasting Commission says Nigerians can now access Free TV services on mobile devices through a dedicated application, alongside satellite decoders.
Hot news Home top
Court orders ex-AGF Abubakar Malami to forfeit 48 property to FG
Justice Abdulmalik held that Mr Malami failed to show that the property were acquired through lawful sources.
Heading 2
Jamaican reggae star Fantan Mojah dies at 49
In a tribute, Ub40 Ali Campbell, described Mr Mojah’s demise as a sad development.
Heading 5
Oyo Hostages’ Release: Tinubu gave us Christmas in July, says Moyo Okediji
Mr Okediji, a professor of Art and Art History at the University of Texas, Austin, lauded the approach of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in rescuing the captives.
States
Residents beg for help as flood overruns Plateau community
Some of the residents told the Peoples Gazette that the community has been battling flooding for some years.
