Prime Minister Keir Starmer has described Israel's recent military actions in Gaza as “appalling, counterproductive and intolerable”, as the UK government faces mounting pressure to impose tougher measures following the deaths of dozens of civilians at food distribution points.
Speaking in the House of Commons on Wednesday, Starmer said the UK is considering imposing sanctions on members of the Israeli government but is resisting calls for a complete ban on arms sales or immediate recognition of Palestine. The comments came after several attacks on aid hubs left dozens dead and hundreds injured, prompting British charities to demand urgent humanitarian action.
Mirjana Spoljaric, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, described conditions in Gaza as “worse than hell on earth”, while Oxfam UK said the situation had reached “a level of inhumanity that is inconceivable in modern times”. Oxfam chief executive Halima Begum stated: “It is beyond comprehension that aid distribution points should be turned into killing fields.”
Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer warned that if Israel does not cease its military offensive and lift restrictions on humanitarian aid, the UK will take “further concrete actions”. However, he faced angry questions from MPs across parties demanding stronger action on sanctions, weapons sales, and Palestinian statehood. Conservative MP Kit Malthouse accused the government of “theatrics”, saying it leaks just enough sanctions to “keep the Labour benches from open revolt”.
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn passed a bill calling for an independent inquiry into British involvement in Israeli military action in Gaza, though it is unlikely to proceed without government support. Outside Parliament, dozens of protesters gathered, with one person arrested after an altercation with a police officer.
Falconer confirmed that the government is reconsidering its position on Palestinian statehood and is open to immediate recognition, potentially announcing a move at a UN conference later this month hosted by France and Saudi Arabia. The government is seeking compromises in exchange, including an agreement by Hamas.
