Hamas Applauds UK, France, and Canada’s Threat of ‘Concrete Actions’ Against Israel

Latest Developments

• Hamas Welcomes ‘Concrete Actions’ Against Israel: Hamas lauded the United Kingdom, France, and Canada for threatening “concrete actions” against Israel if the IDF’s military escalation in Gaza continues. The Iran-backed terrorist group said that it “welcomed” the trio’s joint statement, which it described as “an important step towards restoring respect for the principles of international law” while simultaneously denouncing Israel as a “rogue entity.”
• UK, France, Canada Condemn Israel: The British, French, and Canadian governments condemned Israel’s renewed offensive in the Gaza Strip, calling on the Jewish state to lift restrictions on humanitarian aid into Gaza. Israel introduced these restrictions in March after Hamas again refused to release the hostages it still holds captive. The May 19 statement also demanded an end to settlement construction in the West Bank, emphasizing that the three states would “not hesitate to take further action, including targeted sanctions.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu retorted, “the leaders in London, Ottawa, and Paris are offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7, while inviting more such atrocities.”
• UK Suspends Trade Talks: On May 20, the United Kingdom suspended free trade talks with Israel and sanctioned three Israeli residents of the West Bank, two West Bank communities, and two organizations. Hours earlier, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told the House of Commons that he was “horrified by the escalation from Israel.” Separately, the United Nations confirmed that “around 100” trucks carrying aid crossed from Israel into Gaza on May 20.

FDD Expert Response

“While Gazans are risking their lives to protest the devastating war Hamas has brought upon them, Hamas’s leaders are praising the United Kingdom, France, and Canada for their support. Decline is a choice — one that too many Europeans are making.” — Clifford D. May, Founder and President

“Receiving praise from Hamas should prompt London, Paris, and Ottawa to reevaluate their relations with Israel and Hamas. Punishing Israel for fighting a war that the terrorist group launched only rewards Hamas’s strategy of maximizing Palestinian civilian deaths. If these Western countries want to minimize Palestinian suffering, they should step on Hamas’s throat, not Israel’s.” — David May, Research Manager and Senior Research Analyst

FDD Background and Analysis

“Israel Allows Aid Into Gaza as Operation Gideon’s Chariots Begins,” FDD Flash Brief

“Israel Ready to Resume Gaza Aid Through New Foundation as Expanded Operation Looms,” FDD Flash Brief

“‘We’re Increasing the Pressure’: Israel Approves Expanded Gaza Operation, IDF Set to Hold Territory,” FDD Flash Brief

“Turning ‘Humanitarian Aid Into a Budget For Terrorism’: Israel Suspends Aid Flow to Gaza After Hamas Rejects Ceasefire Extension,” FDD Flash Brief