UK: PM Starmer’s statement on Gaza

Starmer condemns ‘indefensible’ starvation of Palestinians in Gaza and calls emergency talks.

The prime minister has used his strongest language yet in condemning the actions of Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and edged closer to recognising a Palestinian state

It comes as starvation in Gaza is reported to have dramatically increased in recent days; most of the 113 hunger-related deaths recorded there have come in recent weeks, and 82 were children, according to Palestinian health officials.

Statement:

The suffering and starvation unfolding in Gaza is unspeakable and indefensible. While the situation has been grave for some time, it has reached new depths and continues to worsen. We are witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe.

I will hold an emergency call with E3 partners tomorrow, where we will discuss what we can do urgently to stop the killing and get people the food they desperately need while pulling together all the steps necessary to build a lasting peace. We all agree on the pressing need for Israel to change course and allow the aid that is desperately needed to enter Gaza without delay. It is hard to see a hopeful future in such dark times. But I must reiterate my call for all sides to engage in good faith, and at pace, to bring about an immediate ceasefire and for Hamas to unconditionally release all hostages.

We strongly support the efforts of the US, Qatar and Egypt to secure this.We are clear that statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people. A ceasefire will put us on a path to the recognition of a Palestinian state and a two-state solution which guarantees peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis.

KEIR STARMER

PRIME MINISTER OF THE UNITED KINGDOM