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UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has sharply criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's actions in Gaza, calling them "egregious" and warning that the UK, along with its allies, will take "concrete actions" if Israel does not change course.
In a joint statement with French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Starmer called for an immediate halt to Israel’s military campaign and the lifting of restrictions on humanitarian aid. The leaders described Israel’s recent pledge to allow only a “basic” amount of aid into Gaza as insufficient and criticized the move as a step that fails to address the deepening crisis.
They expressed grave concern over the growing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, stating that the suffering was "intolerable" and that the ongoing denial of aid could amount to violations of international humanitarian law. They also condemned inflammatory rhetoric from some Israeli officials, particularly language implying that the destruction of Gaza might lead to forced civilian relocations — a practice they stressed would breach international legal standards.
While reaffirming their condemnation of Hamas for its October 7, 2023, attacks and support for Israel’s right to self-defense, the leaders insisted that the current military escalation by Israel is "wholly disproportionate." They warned Netanyahu that if the offensive and aid restrictions continue, their governments will respond with tangible measures, including potential targeted sanctions over expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank.
Despite Israel’s assurances of aid access, the humanitarian crisis on the ground remains dire. UN aid chief Tom Fletcher, a former British diplomat, reported that only nine trucks were permitted to enter Gaza — a negligible amount compared to the vast need — and cautioned that the security situation and hunger levels threaten the delivery of further assistance.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy echoed these concerns in an interview with the BBC, describing the humanitarian conditions as an “abomination” and demanding unrestricted aid access to meet urgent needs.
Netanyahu acknowledged growing international criticism, noting that Israel’s closest allies had expressed alarm over images of mass hunger and warned that such scenes could erode their support. Nonetheless, Israel has continued its military operations and issued an evacuation order for Khan Younis, Gaza’s second-largest city. Netanyahu reaffirmed his goal of gaining full control over Gaza and establishing a new aid distribution system that excludes Hamas.
Responding to the mounting pressure from London, Ottawa, and Paris, Netanyahu accused the leaders of undermining Israel’s security by urging a halt to its military campaign and backing a Palestinian state. He claimed their stance rewards Hamas for the October 7 attacks and emboldens further violence. Emphasizing a stark worldview, Netanyahu said the conflict represents a battle between "civilization and barbarism" and vowed that Israel would pursue “total victory” through what he called just means.
