Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has clashed with Live Aid organiser Sir Bob Geldof over the Gaza crisis, after he accused Israel of lying about aid deliveries. In a heated exchange on Sky News's Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips, Badenoch rejected Geldof's claims, stating that Israel is allowing humanitarian aid to enter Gaza.
Sir Bob had described the Israeli government as 'lying' about the situation, specifically targeting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israel Defense Forces. He argued that his history with Live Aid gave him the right to speak out on the crisis, where more than 110 people have died of hunger. Israel has denied causing famine, blaming Hamas for stealing aid.
Badenoch insisted that a ceasefire is needed and that the war will end when Hamas releases the hostages taken on 7 October 2023. She dismissed public polling showing more sympathy for Palestine than Israel, saying she focuses on facts and doing the right thing. Israel's deputy foreign minister also condemned Geldof's remarks, calling them 'complete rubbish' and urging him to call for hostage release.
The UK is preparing to airdrop food into Gaza, following Israel's announcement of a 'tactical pause' for aid deliveries. The clash highlights ongoing divisions over the conflict, with both sides accusing the other of obstructing humanitarian efforts.
