Starmer Criticizes Israel's Gaza City Takeover Plan
The decision of Israel to claim control over Gaza City has been described as "misguided" and a trigger for increased violence by Sir Keir Starmer.
The Israeli officials were implored by the prime minister to rethink their resolution to amplify their operations in Gaza. The resolution was accepted by a majority vote in the security cabinet, headed by Benjamin Netanyahu.
Netanyahu's initial plan was to gain control over the entire Gaza strip. However, the approved plan is narrowed down to Gaza City, the enclave's largest city.
The decision has sparked concerns from military leaders and families of individuals held captive in Gaza. They worry that the aggressive campaign could put the remaining 20 hostages at risk.
Starmer's Stance
In a public statement, Starmer indicated that the move would neither help end the conflict nor facilitate the release of the hostages. Instead, it would only lead to more loss of lives.
He emphasized that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens with each passing day, and the hostages are living in horrific and inhumane circumstances under Hamas captivity.
Starmer called for an immediate ceasefire, an increase in humanitarian aid, the release of all hostages by Hamas, and a peaceful negotiation. He firmly stated that Hamas has no role in Gaza's future and needs to depart and disarm.
He stressed the need for a diplomatic solution and urged both parties to steer clear of the path of destruction.
Other Political Leaders Speak Out
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey also opposed the plan, describing it as "completely unacceptable" and accusing Netanyahu of aiming for ethnic cleansing.
Davey warned that the plan would only lead to further destruction of Gazan lives and communities while putting the lives of remaining hostages at risk. He urged the UK government to act decisively instead of just issuing stern statements.
He called for an immediate halt to all UK arms exports to Israel and sanctions against Netanyahu and his cabinet.
Both the Green Party and the SNP have urged the PM to summon Parliament from its summer break to impose sanctions on Netanyahu and his ministers and halt all UK arms sales to Israel.
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn stated that mere words of condemnation are insufficient and strong actions are urgently needed to prevent this catastrophe.
Green Party's foreign affairs spokesperson, Ellie Chowns, criticized Netanyahu's harsh plan to take over Gaza and warned that it could lead to massive civilian suffering.
Israel, however, has refuted claims of committing genocide.
US Vice-President's Visit to the UK
US Vice-President JD Vance recently met with Foreign Secretary David Lammy at his official country residence in Kent. Although Vance and his family are vacationing in the UK, Lammy stated that they would also discuss pressing issues, including the situation in Gaza and the war in Ukraine.
Last week, the UK announced its decision to recognize a Palestinian state in September unless Israel takes significant steps to improve the dire situation in Gaza. This would include agreeing to a ceasefire and committing to a two-state solution.
However, Israel criticized the decision, claiming it "encourages Hamas's monstrous terrorism". The decision also puts the UK at odds with the US, which believes recognition would reward Hamas.
When asked about the UK's announcement, Vance stated that the UK is free to make its decision and that they have no plans to recognize a Palestinian state.
While he questioned the implication of recognizing a Palestinian state due to the lack of a functional government there, he also emphasized the shared goal of addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He stated any disagreements on how to achieve this goal would be discussed.