Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron and Mark Carney of “emboldening Hamas”, after they called for a halt to Israel’s military offensive and an end to restrictions on humanitarian aid in Gaza.

Earlier this week, the leaders of the UK, France and Canada condemned the Israeli government’s “egregious” actions in Gaza, warning that the UK and allies will take “concrete actions” unless Netanyahu changes course.

In a post on X on Thursday evening, the Israeli prime minister said Hamas wanted to “destroy the Jewish state” and “annihilate the Jewish people”.

“I could never understand how this simple truth evades the leaders of France, Britain, Canada and others,” Netanyahu said.

“I say to President Macron, prime minister Carney and prime minister Starmer, when mass murderers, rapists, baby killers and kidnappers thank you, you’re on the wrong side of justice.”

Netanyahu said the actions of the leaders were not “advancing peace”, but “emboldening Hamas to continue fighting forever”.

The Israeli leader’s comments were made in a video posted online in which he addressed the killing of two Israeli embassy staff in Washington DC on Wednesday. The attack has sent shock waves around the world and prompted Israeli missions to beef up security.

On Thursday, Starmer described the shooting as “antisemitic”, adding “my thoughts are with their colleagues, family and loved ones, and as always, I stand in solidarity with the Jewish community.”

Downing Street said the government had offered its “full support to the Israeli embassy in London”.

Earlier this week, UK-Israeli relations plunged to their worst state for decades after the British foreign secretary, David Lammy, suspended negotiations over a new free trade deal, saying Israel’s cabinet ministers’ calls to “purify Gaza” by expelling Palestinians were repellent, monstrous and extremist. The UK also placed sanctions on some Israeli settlers.