Netanyahu Accuses Starmer, Macron and Carney for ‘Siding with Hamas
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has unleashed scathing criticism at UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, accusing them of siding with Hamas and being “on the wrong side of humanity.”
In a video statement released Thursday, Netanyahu claimed the three leaders had “effectively said they want Hamas to remain in power,” and went as far as to accuse them of aligning with “mass murderers, rapists, baby killers and kidnappers.”
The outburst followed a coordinated statement by the UK, France, and Canada earlier this week condemning Israel’s renewed offensive in Gaza as “disproportionate” and worsening an already “intolerable” humanitarian situation.
Netanyahu’s comments also came hours after a deadly shooting at an event hosted by the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., where two Israeli embassy staff members—Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim—were gunned down. The suspect, Elias Rodriguez, reportedly shouted “Free Palestine” while being arrested.
The UK, France, and Canada swiftly condemned the Washington killings. Sir Keir Starmer called antisemitism “an evil we must stamp out,” while affirming support for the victims and their families.
However, Netanyahu dismissed those sympathies, accusing the three leaders of emboldening Hamas by criticizing Israeli military operations. “When mass murderers thank you, you’re on the wrong side of justice,” Netanyahu said, addressing Starmer, Macron, and Carney directly. “You’re on the wrong side of humanity, and you’re on the wrong side of history.”
The Israeli leader also blamed international institutions and media coverage for fuelling violence, referencing a recent warning by UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher about the imminent risk to thousands of babies in Gaza due to restricted aid. Netanyahu called the claim a “lie” and suggested it inspired the Washington attack.
UK Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard responded on Friday, rejecting Netanyahu’s condemnation of Starmer while reaffirming Britain’s support for Israel’s right to self-defence “within international humanitarian law.” He also emphasized the need for urgent humanitarian relief in Gaza.
French and Canadian officials also doubled down on their criticism of Israel’s conduct. A French foreign ministry spokesperson insisted aid access must be “massive and free,” noting that recent shipments—over 90 trucks—remain far below the level needed to avert catastrophe.
Thursday’s backlash from Netanyahu comes amid growing international outrage over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which resumed in March after a blockade lasting more than two months. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, over 3,600 Palestinians have been killed since strikes resumed—adding to a toll that now surpasses 53,000, including 16,500 children.
In a separate interview, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert condemned the current government, calling it “a gang of thugs” led by Netanyahu. He voiced strong opposition to the ongoing campaign in Gaza, which he described as “close to a war crime.”
Israel launched its offensive in response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack that killed about 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages. Since then, calls for de-escalation and greater humanitarian access have intensified globally, including from Israel’s closest allies.
