Starmer and Lammy condemn Israel’s Gaza offensive in their strongest language yet, signaling a major shift in the UK’s diplomatic tone. Speaking in Parliament, both leaders expressed outrage over Israel’s ongoing military actions and the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the suffering in Gaza, especially among children, as “intolerable.” He criticised Israel’s limited aid deliveries, calling them “utterly inadequate.” Starmer said he was “horrified” by Israel’s decision to escalate its campaign, which he argued risks further isolating Israel internationally.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy echoed that sentiment, labelling the situation in Gaza “abominable.” He strongly condemned Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s suggestion to forcibly remove civilians from Gaza, calling the idea “monstrous” and dangerous as both Starmer and Lammy condemn Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Starmer and Lammy condemn Israel’s Gaza offensive as part of a broader international outcry. Britain joined France and Canada in issuing a joint statement warning Israel of “further concrete actions” if humanitarian access does not improve.
European frustration is also growing. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said a “strong majority” of EU states support reviewing their long-standing political and economic agreement with Israel. Meanwhile, 27 donor nations, including the UK, denounced Israel’s new aid distribution plan for Gaza.
The proposed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation would replace international agencies with private contractors under military oversight. Critics, including the UN and several NGOs, say the plan is unworkable and politically motivated. One Western diplomat even called it “absolute madness.”
In Parliament, Lammy clashed with Conservative MP Dame Priti Patel, who argued that international criticism helps Hamas. Lammy rejected that view, accusing Patel of ignoring the humanitarian realities on the ground, which prompted him and Starmer to further condemn Israel’s Gaza actions.
Some MPs believe the UK must now recognise a Palestinian state. While the government says symbolic moves won’t shift facts on the ground, France may take that step next month during a joint conference with Saudi Arabia, raising pressure on the UK to follow.
Even US President Donald Trump, a key ally of Israel, warned last week that “a lot of people are starving” in Gaza, suggesting diminishing patience in Washington.
At a recent World Jewish Congress event in Jerusalem, President Ronald Lauder openly criticised Israeli leadership. He questioned why Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has failed to reign in extremist ministers, accusing them of destroying Israel’s global image.
As Starmer and Lammy condemn Israel’s Gaza offensive, momentum grows internationally for tougher consequences. With Gaza on the brink of famine, the political cost of inaction may soon outweigh diplomatic caution.
For more political updates, visit London Pulse News.
