The conflicts experienced in the Gaza Strip since the end of 2023 have once again drawn the attention of world public opinion to the Israeli-Palestinian Question. The large-scale military operations launched by Israel following Hamas’s attacks on October 7, 2023, have caused serious international criticism due to both the intensive targeting of civilians and the large-scale destruction of infrastructure. Western leaders, particularly French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, have publicly criticized Israel’s military intervention in Gaza with harsh language.[i]
Following these criticisms, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the aforementioned leaders of “emboldening Hamas” and “being on the wrong side of history.” Netanyahu claimed that the attitude of these leaders not only endangered Israel’s security but also morally supported radical organizations like Hamas.[ii]
Such statements by Netanyahu aim, on one hand, to give the Israeli public the message that “the West doesn’t understand us, we are alone but we are right,” while on the other hand, to spread a harsh rhetoric towards the international community that “criticisms directed at Israel constitute taking sides with terrorism.” Within this framework, Netanyahu’s accusations are not simple political polemics; they have a broad strategic background extending from international law to domestic public opinion, from geopolitical power balances to diplomatic calculations.
Israel’s operations against Gaza have deepened the humanitarian crisis in the region. According to data from the Gaza Ministry of Health, as of May 2025, the number of Palestinians who lost their lives in Israel’s operations has reached 61,709. Approximately 28% of these deaths consist of children. Additionally, it is stated that 14,222 people are missing under the rubble and the death toll may increase. The United Nations and other international organizations report that the health system in Gaza has reached a breaking point and access to basic needs has been restricted. This situation increases international criticism directed at Israel.
The leaders of France, Britain, and Canada made a joint statement characterizing Israel’s military operations in Gaza as “excessive” and “humanitarianly unacceptable.”[iii] They also called on the Israeli Government to stop military operations and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches Gaza unimpeded. This statement included expressions that “the Israeli Government’s rejection of basic humanitarian aid to civilians is unacceptable and carries the risk of violating International Humanitarian Law.” The leaders warned that they would take “concrete steps” if Netanyahu does not change his course particularly regarding humanitarian aid.
These statements have caused tension in diplomatic relations between Israel and its Western allies. The United Kingdom has suspended free trade agreement negotiations with Israel, and the European Union has decided to review its existing trade agreement with Israel. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres described the situation in Gaza as “probably the most ruthless phase of the conflict” and criticized Israel’s limited humanitarian aid access. These developments have increased the risk of isolation in Israel’s foreign policy.
Media outlets in the United Kingdom, France, and Canada have harshly criticized Israel’s military operations in Gaza and attacks on civilians. For example, The Guardian characterized Israel’s actions in Gaza as a “humanitarian disaster” and emphasized that the international community needed to show a stronger response.[iv]
Following these developments, Israel has given harsh reactions and made diplomatic moves. For instance, after the killing of two Israeli embassy employees in Washington, Netanyahu claimed that the statements of Western leaders fueled antisemitism and paved the way for such attacks. Netanyahu’s harsh reactions to international criticisms have also resonated variously within the country. This situation has led to the emergence of different views in Israel’s domestic politics and public opinion.
Opposition parties emphasize that Netanyahu’s harsh stance against international criticisms damages Israel’s diplomatic relations and causes the country’s isolation. It has also been emphasized that the increase in civilian casualties in Gaza negatively affects Israel’s international image. In Israeli public opinion, there are different views regarding military operations in Gaza and international criticisms. While some segments support the government’s security policies, others are concerned about the increase in civilian casualties and the humanitarian crisis. Civil society organizations and human rights organizations are calling on the government to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
These developments may lead to significant changes in Israel’s foreign policy and domestic politics. The pressures of the international community and particularly Western allies on Israel may cause the Netanyahu Government to review its policies. However, Netanyahu’s current attitude and statements make it difficult for such a change to occur in the short term.
In conclusion, Israel’s military operations against Gaza and Netanyahu’s reactions to international criticisms are affecting Israel’s domestic and foreign policy. In this process, the attitude of the international community and particularly Western leaders will play an important role in shaping Israel’s future policies.
[i] “Netanyahu accuses leaders of Britain, France and Canada of ‘emboldening Hamas’”, The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/23/netanyahu-accuses-leaders-of-britain-france-and-canada-of-emboldening-hamas, (Date Accessed: 23.05.2025).
[ii] “Israel’s Netanyahu Accuses France, Britain, and Canada Leaders of ‘Emboldening’ Hamas: ‘You’re On the Wrong Side of History’”, Time, https://time.com/7288320/israel-netanyahu-accuses-france-britain-canada-leaders-emboldening-hamas/, (Date Accessed: 23.05.2025).
[iii] “UK, France, Canada warn of ‘concrete actions’ if Israel doesn’t halt war, boost aid”, Times of Israel, https://www.timesofisrael.com/uk-france-canada-warn-of-concrete-actions-if-israel-doesnt-halt-war-boost-aid/, (Date Accessed:23.05.2025).
[iv] “UN chief says Palestinians enduring ‘cruellest phase’ of Gaza conflict – as it happened”, The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/may/23/israel-gaza-war-live-palestine-children-elderly-dying-starvation-aid-benjamin-netanyahu, (Date Accessed:23.05.2025).
