Map shows countries condemning Israel over Gaza offensive

Israel is facing mounting international pressure over the expansion of its military offensive in Gaza and a blockade on humanitarian aid that it has now partially lifted.

The leaders of Britain, France, and Canada have warned that Israel could face “concrete actions” if it does not cease its military offensive in Gaza and lift restrictions on aid entry. Many other countries have also condemned Israel’s actions in its war against Hamas, whose attacks of October 7, 2023 began the devastating conflict.

Newsweek has contacted the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for comment.

Why It Matters

Israel, a key U.S. ally risks suspension of major trade agreements with European partners and escalating diplomatic tensions with NATO members and regional neighbors—moves that could further increase instability in the Middle East. Separately, humanitarian agencies warn of catastrophic conditions in Gaza with food, medical supplies, and aid still mostly not getting into Gaza.

What To Know

Criticism of the devastating war has extended well beyond Arab states to include key Western allies, Asian powers and Latin American nations.

The European Union will review its political and economic pact with Israel over the situation in Gaza, with a strong majority of foreign ministers backing the move to assess Israel’s compliance with the deal’s human rights clause, according to Reuters.

Israel launched the ground Operation Gideon’s Chariots, based on expansion plans announced earlier this month.

Netanyahu has responded to criticism saying the war “can end tomorrow” provided that Hamas releases remaining Israeli hostages, lays down arms and its leaders are exiled from Gaza, in a statement through his office’s X account.

Israel vowed to destroy Hamas after the 2023 attack in which some 1,200 Israelis were killed and 251 taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies. According to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, more than 53,000 Palestinians people have been killed in the war. Hamas continues to hold dozens of Israeli hostages.

What People Are Saying

European Union top diplomat Kaja Kallas, as quoted by Reuters: “The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The aid that Israel has allowed in is of course welcomed, but it’s a drop in the ocean. Aid must flow immediately, without obstruction and at scale, because this is what is needed.”

Joint European Statement on May 7: “We, the Foreign Ministers of Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, Slovenia and Spain express our grave concern about the reported Israeli plans to expand its military operations in Gaza and to establish a prolonged Israeli presence in the Strip. This would mean crossing yet another line, marking a dangerous new escalation and jeopardizing any prospects of a viable Two-State.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on X: “By asking Israel to end a defensive war for our survival before Hamas terrorists on our border are destroyed and by demanding a Palestinian state, the leaders in London, Ottowa and Paris are offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7 while inviting more such atrocities.”

What Happens Next

Israel said it has begun allowing food and medicine with international humanitarian organizations readying aid trucks to enter Gaza, but it shows no sign of pulling back from its offensive.