Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on May 19, 2025, that Israel will “take control of all” of the Gaza Strip as the military pressed a newly intensified offensive against Hamas. This announcement comes amid mounting international pressure, with the United Kingdom, France, and Canada warning of “concrete actions,” including sanctions, if Israel does not halt its military campaign and allow unrestricted humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Netanyahu’s Military Escalation and Control Ambitions
In a video posted on Telegram, Netanyahu stated:
- “The fighting is intense, and we are making progress. We will take control of all the territory of the Strip.”
- He emphasized that Israel “will not give up” and must act “in a way that cannot be stopped” to secure victory.
- The Israeli military ordered residents of Khan Yunis and nearby areas in southern Gaza to evacuate immediately ahead of an “unprecedented attack.”
- The operation, dubbed “Chariots of Gideon,” follows unanimous security Cabinet approval to take control of Gaza.
- Israel aims to defeat Hamas and secure the release of over 250 hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led terror attacks, which killed approximately 1,200 Israelis.
Despite the military escalation, Netanyahu announced Israel would allow a “basic amount” of humanitarian aid into Gaza to prevent famine, citing “practical and diplomatic reasons.” On May 19, five trucks carrying baby food and essential aid crossed into Gaza—the first since March—though the United Nations called this “wholly inadequate” given the scale of the crisis.
Humanitarian Crisis and Casualties in Gaza
- Palestinian health officials report over 53,000 fatalities in Gaza since the conflict escalated, with hundreds killed in recent airstrikes.
- The UN estimates that nearly 1.9 million people—about 90% of Gaza’s population—have been displaced during the war, many repeatedly.
- Food insecurity is critical: over half of Gaza’s population faces emergency or catastrophic levels of food insecurity, with half a million at risk of starvation.
- UNRWA reports that 121 of its installations are within conflict zones, with nearly 300 staff killed since October 2023.
- Airstrikes in Khan Yunis and surrounding areas killed at least 22 people recently, with ongoing ground operations intensifying.
International Reaction: UK, France, and Canada Threaten Sanctions
In a joint statement on May 19, leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Canada condemned Israel’s military expansion in Gaza and the humanitarian situation as “intolerable.” They criticized Israel’s limited aid allowance as “wholly inadequate” and warned of “concrete actions,” including targeted sanctions, if Israel does not halt its offensive and allow full humanitarian access.
- The statement also condemned the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and called for respect of international humanitarian law.
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced suspension of free trade talks with Israel and imposed sanctions on Israeli settlers and organizations in the West Bank.
- French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney echoed calls for an immediate ceasefire and restoration of aid corridors.
Hamas welcomed the joint statement, calling it an important step toward restoring international law and condemning Israel as a “rogue entity.” The group accused Israel of daily shelling of civilian areas and called for continued resistance.
Netanyahu’s Response and US Support Dynamics
Netanyahu’s office accused the UK, France, and Canada of “rewarding terrorism” by threatening sanctions and urged them to support Israel’s right to self-defense. Netanyahu insisted the war would only end when Hamas releases hostages, disarms, and Gaza is demilitarized.
He expressed support for US President Donald Trump’s vision to seize Gaza and clear it of militants, rejecting the two-state solution favored by European leaders.
While the US remains a strong supporter of Israel, some US senators have warned that a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza risks eroding critical American backing. Netanyahu acknowledged this “red line,” emphasizing the need to avoid famine for diplomatic reasons.
Summary
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s vow to take full control of Gaza marks a dramatic escalation in Israel’s military campaign against Hamas. The UK, France, and Canada have responded with warnings of sanctions and calls for an immediate halt to hostilities and full humanitarian access. With over 53,000 Palestinians killed and nearly two million displaced, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. The international community faces mounting challenges to balance Israel’s security concerns with urgent efforts to alleviate civilian suffering.
