Jerusalem/IBNS: Following the fatal shooting of two young Israeli embassy staffers in Washington, D.C., Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday sharply criticised the United Kingdom, Canada, and France for their recent support of Palestinian statehood, accusing them of emboldening Hamas and standing “on the wrong side of justice.”

The criticism came in response to a joint declaration by the three nations condemning Israel’s ongoing military offensive in Gaza.

The statement also reaffirmed their commitment to a two-state solution, advocating for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.

In a video statement posted on the social media platform X, Netanyahu addressed French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer directly.

“When murderers, rapists, baby killers, and kidnappers praise you, you are not promoting peace — you are aligning with injustice, inhumanity, and the wrong side of history,” Netanyahu said.

He argued that the Western powers’ position only encourages Hamas to continue its fight, giving the group renewed hope of forming what he described as a “second Palestinian state” from which it could again seek to destroy Israel.

Netanyahu warned that any future Palestinian state would likely fall under the control of extremist factions backed by Iran, undermining any realistic prospect for peace.

UK hits back

The UK has firmly rejected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s criticism of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, following the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington, D.C.

In response to Netanyahu’s claim that Starmer is “on the wrong side of humanity,” Britain’s Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard told LBC Radio: “I don’t agree with those comments.”

Pollard strongly condemned the attack in Washington, stating, “We utterly denounce the murder of the Israeli diplomats in the United States. It is completely unacceptable.”

However, he defended the UK’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasising the importance of a diplomatic solution.

“Our position has always been clear: peace can only be achieved through an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages by Hamas, and the urgent delivery of large-scale humanitarian aid to Gaza,” Pollard said.

He added that the current humanitarian crisis in Gaza is “unacceptable,” reiterating the UK's call for international efforts to alleviate suffering and restore stability in the region.

UK, Canada and France's joint statement

In their joint statement issued earlier this week, the UK, Canada, and France strongly condemned Israel's intensified military campaign in Gaza.

The statement warned that continued aggression and restrictions on humanitarian aid could prompt the three countries to impose sanctions.

“We cannot remain passive while the Netanyahu government carries out such unacceptable actions. If these military operations persist and humanitarian aid remains blocked, we will be forced to take further measures,” the statement read.

This warning followed a sharp escalation in the conflict, with Israel launching a major new ground offensive amid over 19 months of ongoing hostilities.

Gaza officials reported at least 103 deaths in overnight strikes on Sunday. Israel, however, claimed its forces were targeting “terror infrastructure” in northern Gaza.

Israel targets full control of Gaza

On Monday, Netanyahu declared Israel’s intent to assert full control over the Gaza Strip, as military operations in the region intensified.

“Our forces are engaged in heavy combat, and we are advancing,” he said in a Telegram video. “We aim to take control of the entire territory of the Strip. We will not relent.”

His remarks came after the Israeli cabinet launched a new military campaign dubbed ‘Gideon’s Chariots,’ marked by a significant escalation of ground operations following airstrikes that have further deepened the humanitarian crisis.

Netanyahu slams DC shooting

In the aftermath of the Washington shooting, Netanyahu said he had ordered heightened security measures for all Israeli diplomatic missions worldwide.

The attack occurred outside the Capital Jewish Museum during a social event, where a gunman reportedly shouted “Free Palestine” before opening fire and killing two embassy staffers.

“I have instructed security to be bolstered at all our missions and for additional protection to be provided to Israeli representatives globally,” Netanyahu stated. “This tragedy reflects the deadly consequences of rising anti-Semitism and incitement against Israel.”

A viral video showed the suspected gunman, a young man in a white shirt and jacket, being taken into custody while shouting pro-Palestinian slogans.

According to Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter, the victims were a young couple who had been planning to marry.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed deep sorrow over the attack, calling it a “despicable act of hatred” rooted in anti-Semitism.

He reaffirmed the solidarity between Israel and the United States, emphasising their shared values and commitment to combating terror.

“This atrocity will not break us,” Herzog said.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar also condemned the attack, vowing that Israel would not be cowed by terror.

“Our representatives are constantly under threat — especially now,” he said. “We are coordinating closely with American authorities. Israel will not yield to terrorism.”