Ehud Olmert, who once held the position of Israel’s prime minister, criticized Israel’s current military actions in Gaza, telling the BBC on Tuesday that the situation “is very close to a war crime.” He continued, “Thousands of innocent Palestinians are being killed, as well as many Israeli soldiers.”
Olmert expressed deep doubts about the military operation, stating, “the war has no objective and has no chance of achieving anything that could save the lives of the hostages.” He clarified, “We are fighting Hamas murderers, we are not fighting innocent civilians, and this must be clear.”
He emphasized that what the world is witnessing is the extensive death toll of innocent Palestinians alongside significant Israeli military casualties. “From every point of view, this is obnoxious and outrageous,” he remarked.
“We are fighting the killers of Hamas, we are not fighting innocent civilians,” he reiterated to the BBC. “And that has to be clear.”
Education Minister Yoav Kisch strongly pushed back against Olmert’s remarks, denouncing them as disgraceful and harmful.
Posting on X, Kisch declared, “Ehud Olmert joins Yair Golan and the chorus of the extreme left that defames the State of Israel in the international arena.”
He went further, condemning Olmert for undermining the morale of Israeli troops. “While IDF soldiers are risking their lives in the face of murderous terror that seeks to destroy us, he chooses to incite and stab them in the back. Let him be ashamed.”
Likud MK May Golan also spoke out on X, condemning Olmert’s comments in harsh terms. “The only crime in this war is your spitting in the faces of IDF fighters who are currently fighting the modern-day Nazi enemy. And yes, there are innocent people in Gaza — 58 to be exact.”
Nissim Vaturi, another Likud lawmaker, called Olmert “the corrupt prime minister who has been here since the founding of the state, consumed by self-hatred, a mouthpiece for Hamas!” He accused Olmert and Yair Golan of siding with brutal terrorists. “He and his friend Yair Golan support the vile terrorists, those who murdered babies and raped women!”
Meanwhile, following Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s announcement that Israel intends to maintain control over the Gaza Strip, several Western nations voiced sharp opposition. Leaders from the United Kingdom, France, and Canada issued a joint declaration criticizing the move and denouncing the expansion of settlements in the West Bank.
The trio of governments issued a firm warning, stating, “If Israel does not stop the renewed military offensive and lift restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete steps in response,” according to a report by The Jerusalem Post.
The UK government also expressed serious concerns, saying, “The Israeli government’s denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable and risks breaching international humanitarian law.”
The statement also voiced support for diplomatic initiatives spearheaded by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, aimed at bringing about a ceasefire in Gaza without delay.
In closing, the nations reiterated their endorsement of a two-state framework, reaffirming their readiness to recognize a Palestinian state as part of a broader peace effort.
{Matzav.com}