Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged that Israel will seize full control of Gaza, even as Britain, France, and Canada denounced the escalation of the military campaign and blockade on humanitarian aid. The three countries condemned Israel’s actions as disproportionate, warning of a possible “concrete” response if the offensive continues.
Earlier, Israel declared a major city a combat zone, launched airstrikes killing over 60 people, and its finance minister called for the complete destruction of what remains of Gaza.
In a joint statement, the UK, France, and Canada warned they would not “stand by” as Israel restricts aid and intensifies its assault. Netanyahu rejected the criticism, reaffirming Israel’s pursuit of “total victory” and accusing the allies of rewarding Hamas’s October 7 attack. He later admitted pressure from international allies forced him to ease the siege to avert a starvation crisis, although only a trickle of aid has entered Gaza since.
Despite criticism, Netanyahu remains firm on Israel’s course, saying in a video that the military will take over the entire strip.
As hunger and displacement worsen for Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, far-right members of Netanyahu’s cabinet support minimal aid, while advocating for continued occupation and destruction. Meanwhile, a U.S.-linked startup is set to manage aid distribution centers under Israeli control, though humanitarian groups have rejected the plan, citing safety and neutrality concerns.
