International Pressure Mounts on Israel as Gaza Crisis Deepens

This week, Israel faced a wave of harsh criticism. The liberal Israeli newspaper Ha'aretz called it a "diplomatic tsunami." It warned that Europe is reacting strongly to Israel’s actions in Gaza, calling them "madness."

The week saw many unexpected events. There was global anger over Israel’s bombing in Gaza. Then came the shocking news: two young Israeli embassy workers were killed in Washington.

The trouble began Monday night. Britain, France, and Canada released a joint statement. They said Israel’s actions in Gaza were “shocking.” They warned Israel to stop or face “real consequences.” These could include sanctions or cutting ties.

They also spoke out against Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Later, 24 donor nations joined in. They said Israel’s new plan for aid in Gaza was bad and unfair.

But things kept getting worse.

On Tuesday, Britain froze trade talks with Israel. A 2023 deal between the two countries is now under review. The UK also punished some Israeli settlers. One of them, Daniela Weiss, was in a recent documentary called The Settlers.

The UK called in Israel’s ambassador, Tzipi Hotovely. This is something Britain usually does only with countries like Russia or Iran.

Then, the EU said most of its countries now want to review their old deal with Israel. That deal has been in place for 25 years.

Why is this happening now?

The world is seeing signs that people in Gaza are starving. Aid groups say things are the worst they’ve been since the war began in October 2023. Israel’s latest attacks could make it worse.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy spoke out. He quoted Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. Smotrich had called for "cleansing" Gaza and moving people out of it.

Lammy said these words were extreme and awful. “This is hate. This is dangerous,” he told British lawmakers.

Smotrich does not run Israel’s army. But many now feel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is letting far-right ministers shape the war. Critics say he is ignoring both Palestinian lives and Israeli hostages still held by Hamas.

Some countries that once supported Israel are saying, “This has to stop.”

This week marked a big shift for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. He once said, “I support Zionism without question.” Last year, he did not support a ceasefire in Gaza. But now he says the suffering of children there is “unbearable.”

Netanyahu hit back hard. He said Britain, France, and Canada were siding with Hamas. “If murderers and kidnappers thank you, you’re on the wrong side,” he said online.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar went even further. He said their criticism might have helped cause the deadly shooting in Washington.

Still, Israel’s allies and even some Jewish leaders are now speaking out. Many are upset and deeply sad.

Lord Levy, a former UK peace envoy, said he agrees with the UK government. He said they should have acted sooner. “The world must speak out,” he told the BBC. “I love Israel, but this war is wrong.”

One person has stayed quiet — former U.S. President Donald Trump. He said during a visit to the Gulf, “A lot of people are starving.” But other than that, he has said little.

White House staff say Trump wants Israel to end the war. But he hasn’t said much in public.