Sir Keir Starmer Condemns “Unspeakable” Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has strongly denounced the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, describing the conditions as “unspeakable and indefensible” amid rising concerns over mass starvation and deteriorating access to aid.

In a statement released Thursday, Starmer said the crisis in Gaza has “reached new depths” and called it a “humanitarian catastrophe.” He announced plans to hold an emergency call with leaders of Germany and France on Friday to discuss strategies to stop the violence and facilitate the urgent delivery of food and medical supplies to those in need.

Growing Concerns Over Famine

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently reported that at least 25% of Gaza’s population is facing famine-like conditions. Aid groups have echoed these warnings, saying that many Palestinians are at risk of starvation and lack access to basic healthcare.

The alarming situation comes in the wake of a partial easing of Israel’s 11-week total blockade on aid deliveries, which had been in place since early 2024. Despite the limited reopening following a two-month ceasefire in May, Palestinians have continued to be killed while waiting in line for food.

Aid Access and Accusations

While Israel maintains control over the entry of all supplies into Gaza, it denies the existence of a siege and blames Hamas for the worsening conditions. Israeli authorities claim that Hamas is provoking conflict at aid distribution sites and insist that their troops only use warning shots, not live ammunition, against civilians.

To help address the crisis, a new humanitarian system—the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF)—was recently introduced with support from Israel and the United States. However, aid agencies argue that this model has proven ineffective, with shortages of food, water, and medicine continuing to grow.

International Pressure Mounts

The UK government, alongside 27 other countries, issued a joint statement on Monday urging Israel to “immediately lift restrictions” on aid deliveries. The statement criticized Israel’s current delivery system as “dangerous” and accused it of depriving Gazans of “human dignity.”

Sir Keir’s remarks come amid increasing calls from within his own Labour Party to take a firmer stance on the conflict. Some Labour MPs have urged the government to officially recognize a Palestinian state and shift its policy on Israel.

Government Response

Despite the growing domestic pressure, the UK government reiterated its position that recognition of Palestinian statehood must be part of a broader, long-term political solution to the conflict in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, aid organizations continue to plead for unimpeded humanitarian access, warning that delays could cost more lives in the besieged region.

FAQs

Q1: What has Sir Keir Starmer said about the situation in Gaza?
He described it as a “humanitarian catastrophe” and condemned the “unspeakable and indefensible” conditions.

Q2: What actions is the UK government taking?
Starmer plans to hold emergency talks with leaders of France and Germany to coordinate aid efforts and halt the violence.

Q3: Why is aid not reaching Gaza effectively?
Israel controls all entry points and has been accused of restricting access, though it blames Hamas for disruptions.

Q4: What is the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF)?
A new aid system set up with support from Israel and the US to manage humanitarian deliveries, though its effectiveness is in question.

Q5: Will the UK recognize Palestine as a state?
The UK government has stated that it would only consider this step as part of a long-term political resolution.

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