Prime Minister Keir Starmer has described Israel’s recent actions in Gaza as “appalling, counterproductive and intolerable”, as the UK government faces mounting pressure to take stronger measures following the deaths of dozens of civilians at food distribution points. Speaking to MPs on Wednesday, Starmer said the UK was considering imposing sanctions on members of the Israeli government but is so far resisting calls for a complete ban on arms sales and immediate recognition of Palestine.
The attacks at food distribution hubs in recent days have left dozens dead and hundreds injured, prompting British aid charities to step up calls for urgent humanitarian and political action. The head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Mirjana Spoljaric, described conditions in Gaza as “worse than hell on earth”, stating that the situation surpasses “any acceptable legal, moral and humane standard”. Oxfam UK said conditions had reached a “level of inhumanity that is inconceivable in modern times”.
During a heated Commons debate, MPs from multiple parties demanded stronger action on sanctions, weapons sales, and Palestinian recognition. Labour backbencher Paula Barker asked: “What more evidence do we need to call this exactly what it is – a deliberate policy of annexation and genocide?” Conservative MP Kit Malthouse criticised the government’s approach, saying: “It feels like the whole house is being played… the government leaks out just enough sanctions to keep the Labour benches from open revolt.”
Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer confirmed the government was reconsidering its position on Palestinian statehood and was open to immediate recognition. Government sources indicated that an announcement might be made at or after a UN conference later this month hosted by France and Saudi Arabia to discuss a two-state solution, with the government seeking compromises including an agreement by Hamas.
Outside Parliament, dozens of protesters gathered, with one person arrested after an altercation with a police officer. Meanwhile, former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn successfully passed a bill calling for an independent inquiry into British involvement in Israeli military action in Gaza, though the inquiry is unlikely to proceed without government support for a substantive vote.
