UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed strong condemnation. He is outraged by Israeli government actions. Specifically, he denounced restrictions on humanitarian aid. This defines the current Gaza aid access crisis. Lammy addressed the House of Commons on Monday. He announced a new £15 million funding package. This money will provide critical medical assistance.
Furthermore, Lammy acknowledged a recent UN-backed report. The report declared a “man-made famine” in Gaza. He called this situation a moral outrage. However, he demanded a massive humanitarian response immediately. Lammy also reiterated a UK commitment. Critically injured children will come to the UK for NHS treatment. The first patients should arrive within weeks.
However, this plan needs Israeli permission. Lammy said he is pressing Israel for cooperation. Moreover, Israel strongly rejected the famine report. They called it deeply flawed and demanded a retraction. The Gaza aid access crisis continues to worsen. Aid agencies report major obstacles daily. They cannot distribute stockpiled supplies effectively.
Lammy also discussed broader diplomatic plans. The UK remains committed to Palestinian state recognition. This could happen at the next UN General Assembly. Furthermore, a ceasefire breakthrough might change this. Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel disagreed strongly. She said recognition must not happen while Hamas holds hostages.
The IPC report findings were truly dire. It found half a million people facing famine. Moreove, that is a quarter of Gaza’s population. Starvation is spreading rapidly in Gaza City. However, Famine will likely affect the entire enclave soon. Therefore, Israel denies these findings completely. They blame aid agencies and Hamas for any hunger.
The new funding goes to UK-Med and WHO Egypt. Lammy praised regional partners like Egypt and Jordan. He said everyone must work together to help. Furthermore, the Gaza aid access crisis requires urgent solutions. Therefore, Lammy also condemned new West Bank settlements. He said Israel is tightening its stranglehold on the Palestinian economy.
These settlements are illegal under international law. Israel recently approved construction in the E1 area. This move would divide the West Bank in two. After all, Lammy said this action moves the dial closer to UK recognition. The International Court of Justice condemns the occupation. Israel disputes this legal interpretation continually.
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