A noticeable shift has emerged across Europe and North America — with countries like France, the UK, and Canada issuing their strongest warnings yet to Israel. This shift comes amid growing public outrage, rising legal threats for complicity in war crimes, and an observable shift in U.S. policy away from full-throated support for Tel Aviv.
While Western governments have historically provided near-blanket political cover for Israeli aggression, recent developments — especially the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza — have compelled these powers to signal that their patience is wearing thin.
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For the first time in 18 months of Israel’s relentless assault on Gaza, European states are now openly discussing sanctions, suspension of trade agreements, and recognition of Palestine — putting them in direct confrontation with Netanyahu’s far-right government, even as Gaza faces famine levels of starvation due to Israel’s siege.
What Actions Have France, the UK, and Canada Taken?
In a joint statement released by the UK government, the leaders of Britain, France, and Canada threatened “concrete measures” if Israel continues its offensive on Gaza and refuses to lift its blockade on humanitarian aid.
“The Israeli government’s obstruction of essential humanitarian assistance to civilians is unacceptable and violates international humanitarian law,” the statement read.
It added:
“If Israel does not halt its renewed military offensive and lift its humanitarian restrictions, we will take further concrete actions in response.”
The three leaders also condemned Israeli settlement activity in the occupied West Bank, stating:
“We oppose any attempt to expand settlements… and we will not hesitate to take further action, including targeted sanctions.”
Though the leaders reiterated Israel’s “right to self-defense,” they noted that this escalation is “utterly disproportionate,” making it clear they would no longer remain silent in the face of what they called “atrocious acts.”
Hamas welcomed the joint statement, calling it a “significant step” toward restoring international law.
Additional Measures from the UK
The UK’s Labour government has already initiated several key steps, including:
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- Suspension of trade talks with Tel Aviv
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- Sanctions on West Bank settlers
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- Considering sanctions on Israeli ministers Smotrich and Ben-Gvir
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- Launching formal talks on recognising a Palestinian state
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- Sending $5.3 million in humanitarian aid to Gaza
Meanwhile in Brussels, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced that the European Union would begin a formal review of its trade agreement with Israel, citing serious concerns over human rights violations.
Israel’s Response: Aggression and Accusations
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lashed out at the leaders of France, Britain, and Canada, accusing them of siding with Hamas.
“You’re on the wrong side of humanity and history,” he claimed, accusing the three nations of supporting “murderers, rapists, child killers, and kidnappers.”
He also warned that recognising a Palestinian state would be “rewarding the killers with the grand prize.”
Netanyahu claimed that a Palestinian state would pose a mortal threat to Israel, citing a recent incident in Washington — where two Israeli embassy staff were killed by a man reportedly shouting “Free Palestine” — as supposed proof.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot pushed back against Netanyahu’s accusations, calling them “defamatory and absurd.”
“To accuse anyone supporting a two-state solution of antisemitism or terrorism support is offensive and dishonest,” he said.
What’s Driving Europe’s Shift?
1. Unrelenting Public Pressure
Mass protests, media pressure, and a rising shift in public opinion across Europe have forced politicians to reconsider their silence. Since October 7, 2023, Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza has killed and wounded over 160,000 Palestinians, sparking fury across the continent.
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- A German ZDF poll showed that 80% of Germans now oppose Israel’s attacks on Gaza — an 11% increase since March 2024.
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- An Ecco poll (June 2024) revealed that over 60% of Europeans believe the EU should suspend its free trade agreement with Israel.
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- In The Hague, tens of thousands recently staged the largest protest in 20 years, urging sanctions against Israel’s war crimes.
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According to YouGov polling:
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- 50% of Spaniards demand stronger pressure on Israel
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- 56% of Swedes hold negative views toward Israel
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- 60% of Italians believe Israel’s war on Gaza is “unjustified”
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2. Legal Risks of Supporting a War Criminal State
Governments in the UK and beyond are increasingly exposed to legal consequences for arming a country accused of genocide.
In May 2025, investigative reports revealed that UK arms exports to Israel — including ammunition and components for F-35 fighter jets — continued even after a supposed suspension of licenses.
This has prompted lawsuits and civil society campaigns accusing the UK government of violating domestic and international law by facilitating war crimes.
Ian Overton, Executive Director of Action on Armed Violence, warned:“The UK risks not just moral complicity — but legal liability — for enabling crimes in Gaza.”
3. The U.S. Is Backing Away from Israel
Analysts point to the United States’ cooling relationship with Israel as a catalyst for the European shift.
President Trump notably skipped visiting Israel during a recent Gulf tour and made decisions that contradicted Netanyahu’s preferences — sending an implicit message to allies that Washington is reconsidering its posture.
“This diplomatic repositioning has emboldened European states to finally speak out,” said political advisor Ceren Kinar.
Rights advocate Raed Jarrar told Middle East Eye:
“Canada’s recent boldness reflects a global message: We will not stand idly by anymore.”
4. Israel’s Escalating Occupation Agenda
Netanyahu’s declaration that “we will occupy all of Gaza” further alarmed Western capitals.
The Israeli Prime Minister admitted external pressure had forced him to consider allowing humanitarian aid — even as his far-right ministers, like Itamar Ben-Gvir, insist the war must continue indefinitely and aid must be blocked.
Such extremist rhetoric and genocidal ambitions have accelerated the collapse of what little support remains in Europe.
