In a powerful and uncompromising statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lashed out at the United Kingdom, France, and Canada for their opposition to Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza, accusing them of emboldening Hamas and undermining Israel’s right to defend itself. The comments came shortly after the three Western powers issued a joint condemnation of Israel’s newly launched "Gideon’s Chariots" offensive in the Gaza Strip, citing the "intolerable" civilian suffering, restrictions on humanitarian aid, and expanding settlements in the West Bank.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Netanyahu reiterated Israel's commitment to achieving "total victory" over Hamas, aligning with US President Donald Trump's peace vision for the region. "This is a war of civilisation over barbarism. Israel will continue to defend itself by just means until total victory is achieved," he declared.

Netanyahu’s response was a pointed rebuke to the growing international pressure on Israel to halt its military actions. “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,” said Netanyahu.

The October 7, 2023 attack, orchestrated by Hamas, saw over 1,200 Israelis killed and more than 250 abducted, which Israel cites as the beginning of the current war. The Prime Minister recounted these tragic events to underscore Israel’s justification for its ongoing military response.

The “Gideon’s Chariots” campaign launched on Saturday has intensified Israel’s military efforts in Gaza, which according to Netanyahu, is necessary to eliminate the threat posed by Hamas once and for all. The offensive has been met with widespread international concern, especially from European and North American nations, due to the rising civilian death toll and the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.

In their joint declaration, the governments of UK, France, and Canada criticised what they termed as “disproportionate military aggression,” warning Israel of potential sanctions if the offensive continues. The statement also pushed for immediate support for US, Qatari, and Egyptian-led ceasefire efforts, and reinforced the demand for a two-state solution—a vision that Netanyahu has repeatedly rejected unless Israel’s core conditions are met.

Netanyahu used the opportunity to once again throw his support behind President Trump’s vision for resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict, which is widely seen as favouring Israeli security priorities. "Israel accepts President Trump’s vision and urges all European leaders to do the same," he asserted.

He laid out four key conditions for ending the war:

1. Release of all hostages held by Hamas.

2. Disarmament of Hamas.

3. Exile of Hamas leadership.

4. Demilitarisation of the Gaza Strip.

“No nation can be expected to accept anything less, and Israel certainly won't,” Netanyahu concluded.

Meanwhile, in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, protests have broken out both in support of and against the government’s hardline stance. While many Israelis back the Prime Minister’s commitment to security and justice following the October 7 attacks, others have expressed growing concern about international isolation, the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and the potential fallout of strained diplomatic ties with Western allies.

The European bloc, already vocal about settlement expansions in the West Bank, now appears to be reassessing its economic and strategic ties with Israel. The recent declaration marks one of the strongest warnings yet from European nations, with diplomats indicating that sanctions on military trade or economic cooperation may be discussed in upcoming EU council meetings.

Canada’s inclusion in the condemnation is particularly significant given its traditionally strong support for Israel. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s office released a separate statement emphasizing the need for humanitarian corridors, medical access, and a clear roadmap to peace.

While US President Donald Trump has refrained from directly condemning Israel, his administration is under increasing pressure from Congress and global allies to curb the conflict. However, Vice President JD Vance reaffirmed that the US remains aligned with Israel’s goals under Trump’s leadership.

As the geopolitical climate shifts and the pressure mounts, Netanyahu appears resolute. For now, Israel’s government shows no signs of de-escalating its offensive, standing firm on its conditions for peace and pushing back hard against what it views as international hypocrisy and moral failure.

The next few weeks will be critical. If ceasefire negotiations—spearheaded by US, Qatari, and Egyptian intermediaries—fail to produce results, the risk of broader regional escalation cannot be ruled out. Meanwhile, humanitarian organisations are pleading for urgent access to Gaza, where food, water, and medical supplies are rapidly depleting.

Netanyahu's response indicates that Israel’s policy will not shift based on global opinion alone. With hostilities ongoing and no immediate diplomatic resolution in sight, the Middle East remains at a crossroads, with global powers struggling to influence the outcome of a conflict that continues to claim lives by the day.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are Blue Water Logistics, Unified Data - Tech Solutions, Dar Credit and Capital, Belrise Industries, Wagons Learning.

The Current active IPO are Victory Electric Vehicles International, Borana Weaves.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.