Netanyahu's Fiery Accusation: Is Starmer Really Siding with Hamas?

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has aggressively criticized UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, along with the leaders of France and Canada, claiming they support Hamas by wanting it to remain in power. In a recent speech, Netanyahu described the situation as dire, stating that the trio had effectively allied with ”mass murderers, rapists, baby killers and kidnappers”. This outburst followed an attack on Israeli embassy staff in Washington, where he suggested their statements indicate a desire for Israel to allow Hamas’s continued existence.

While Downing Street has remained relatively silent, they have highlighted Starmer’s previous remarks condemning antisemitism as ”an evil we must stamp out”. All three national leaders had previously expressed vigor in supporting Israel after the Hamas-led attacks 19 months ago but have recently criticized Israel’s military responses, labeling them as ”disproportionate” and addressing the intolerable humanitarian situation in Gaza. They even threatened concrete actions if Israel did not alter its course.

Netanyahu further emphasized his stance by declaring that Hamas’s objective is to obliterate Israel and annihilate the Jewish people, expressing his bafflement at the leaders’ criticisms being welcomed by Hamas. He dramatically stated, ”When mass murderers… thank you, you’re on the wrong side of justice”, underscoring his view that they are ”on the wrong side of history”.

In retaliation, an Israeli minister accused Starmer of emboldening terrorism. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert condemned the current Israeli government’s actions as those of ”a gang of thugs”, further escalating the existing heated rhetoric surrounding the conflict. Olmert referred to Israel’s military campaign as resembling ”a war crime”, highlighting the tension within Israeli politics regarding the Gaza war.

The conflict has resulted in catastrophic casualties, with 53,762 people killed in Gaza, including 16,500 children, following Israel’s military campaign launched in response to a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.