Sir Keir Starmer has condemned Israel’s “egregious” actions, in a joint statement decrying the expansion of military operations in Gaza.
The Prime Minister, along with French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian premier Mark Carney called for a halt to Israel’s military offensive and an end to restrictions on humanitarian aid.
Their statement comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu repeated on Monday that Israel plans on “taking control of all of Gaza.”
He has said Israel will encourage what he describes as the voluntary emigration of much of Gaza’s population to other countries – something that Palestinians have rejected.
Netanyahu also said that Israel would begin letting in a “basic” amount of food following a near three month blockade on aid and supplies into Gaza.
In a joint statement, Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron and Marl Carney said: “We strongly oppose the expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable.
“Yesterday’s announcement that Israel will allow a basic quantity of food into Gaza is wholly inadequate.”
They said the Israeli government’s denial of aid “is unacceptable and risks breaching international humanitarian law”.
“We condemn the abhorrent language used recently by members of the Israeli government, threatening that, in their despair at the destruction of Gaza, civilians will start to relocate.
“Permanent forced displacement is a breach of international humanitarian law.”
The world leaders repeated their demands on Hamas to release the remaining hostages but added: “This escalation is wholly disproportionate.”
They went on to warn Israel: “We will not stand by while the Netanyahu government pursues these egregious actions.
“If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response.”
The UK’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy, echoed the sentiment, speaking about the urgency with which food and aid was required.
“People must receive the aid that they desperately, desperately need,” he said.
“What we’re seeing, in terms of food, water, medicine, fuel, the restrictions on humanitarian assistance, and the loss of life, are completely unacceptable and intolerable.”
Similarly, the UN’s Humanitarian Relief Chief, Tom Fletcher, described the nine aid trucks which had been cleared to enter Gaza as, “a drop in the ocean of what is urgently needed”.
Acknowledging international pressure, Mr Netanyahu said Israel’s “greatest friends in the world” had told him: “We cannot accept images of hunger, mass hunger. We cannot stand that. We will not be able to support you.”
Mr Netanyahu said Israel plans on “taking control of all of Gaza”, putting in place a new system to distribute aid that prevents the involvement of Hamas.
Speaking after Britain, France and Canada ramped up the pressure on Israel, Mr Netanyahu said: “By asking Israel to end a defensive war for our survival before Hamas terrorists on our border are destroyed and by demanding a Palestinian state, the leaders in London, Ottawa and Paris are offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7 while inviting more such atrocities.”
After urging European leaders to follow “President Trump’s vision” for ending the conflict, the Israeli prime minister added: “This is a war of civilisation over barbarism. Israel will continue to defend itself by just means until total victory is achieved.”
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