Israel’s Allies Denounce Its New Gaza Offensive

Britain, France, and Canada issued a rare public reprimand of Israel, demanding that it cease its renewed military offensive in Gaza — a call that laid bare growing rifts between Israel and traditional Western allies, prompting a furious Israeli response on Tuesday.

“We have always supported Israel’s right to defend Israelis against terrorism,” a joint statement by the three powerful allies said late on Monday, adding: “But this escalation is wholly disproportionate.”

They condemned the expanded Israeli campaign against Hamas in Gaza and monthslong restrictions on humanitarian aid as “egregious actions” — some of the sharpest rhetoric yet seen by major Western countries long supportive of Israel.

“If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response,” the statement said.

International discontent with Israel is reaching new heights more than 19 months after Hamas’s Oct. 7, 2023, attack ignited the Israeli war in Gaza. While governments worldwide rushed to back Israel after the assault, diplomatic support faded as the Israeli campaign led to a skyrocketing death toll in Gaza.

Mr. Netanyahu denounced the latest criticism early on Tuesday, saying the three countries had handed a “huge prize” to Hamas. He claimed they were tacitly encouraging a repeat of the Oct. 7 attacks, which saw some 1,200 killed in Israel and 250 taken hostage.