UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said that Israel’s ambitions to take over Gaza City are “wrong” and will only lead to further violence.
The prime minister asked Israel’s government to immediately reconsider its decision “to further escalate its offensive in Gaza” after Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet approved the plans by an overwhelming vote overnight.
Netanyahu has previously stated that he planned to take control of the entire Gaza Strip, but the authorised plan focuses on Gaza City, the enclave’s major city.
The move has also provoked warnings from army officers and family members of hostages held in Gaza, who are concerned that the offensive will harm the 20 detainees believed to be alive.
In a statement, Keir said, “This action will do nothing to bring an end to this conflict or to help secure the release of the hostages. It will only bring more bloodshed.
“Every day the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens, and hostages taken by Hamas are being held in appalling and inhuman conditions.
“What we need is a ceasefire, a surge in humanitarian aid, the release of all hostages by Hamas and a negotiated solution. Hamas can play no part in the future of Gaza and must leave as well as disarm.
“Our message is clear: a diplomatic solution is possible, but both parties must step away from the path of destruction.”
Sir Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrat leader, said the plans were “utterly abhorrent” and “it’s increasingly clear [Netanyahu’s] goal is ethnic cleansing.”
This plan will only serve to wreak more devastation on the lives of millions of Gazans – whose homes and communities have already been destroyed – while endangering the lives of those hostages still held by Hamas,” he said.
“Rather than sitting on its hands and issuing strongly worded statements, the UK government needs to take decisive action.
“Keir Starmer needs to stop the export of all UK arms to Israel – today – and sanction Netanyahu and his cabinet.”
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn stated, “Words of condemnation aren’t enough; if we have any hope of stopping this genocide, strong actions are desperately needed right now.”
He urged the Prime Minister to return Parliament from its summer holiday, censure Netanyahu and his cabinet, and suspend all UK arms shipments to Israel.
