UK’s Starmer Urges Israel To Halt Gaza City Takeover Plan
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Israel was wrong to approve the Gaza City occupation plan and called on Tel Aviv to reconsider the move.
Netanyahu’s cabinet had recently greenlit a strategy to take military control of Gaza City, marking a sharp intensification in Israel’s war effort. The operation is seen as a potential gateway to full occupation of the Gaza Strip. Israel argues the move is essential to dismantling Hamas, but critics say it will worsen the suffering of civilians trapped in conflict zones.
Starmer’s response, published by The Guardian, directly challenges the Israeli justification for the operation. He stressed the importance of restraint and humanitarian protection, indicating the UK would not support actions that may violate international law or worsen the crisis.
The UK joins a chorus of countries calling on Israel to reconsider its tactics. This includes the United Nations, Türkiye, Jordan, and various humanitarian organizations, all of which have warned of massive civilian casualties if the offensive proceeds.
Starmer’s remarks are likely to intensify diplomatic debate within Western alliances, particularly as tensions also grow between Washington and Tel Aviv following reports of U.S. frustration over Israel’s stance on the Gaza humanitarian crisis.