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 action following the killings of dozens of civilians at food distribution points. Speaking in the House of Commons on Wednesday, Starmer confirmed that the UK is considering imposing sanctions on members of the Israeli government, but is resisting calls for a complete ban on arms sales and immediate recognition of Palestine.
The prime minister’s remarks came after several attacks on food distribution hubs in recent days left dozens dead and hundreds more injured. The incidents prompted British aid charities to intensify calls for urgent humanitarian and political intervention, while the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) described conditions in Gaza as “worse than hell on earth”. Oxfam UK’s chief executive, Halima Begum, stated: “It is beyond comprehension that aid distribution points should be turned into killing fields.”
Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer later warned that if Israel does not cease its renewed military offensive and lift restrictions on humanitarian aid, the UK will take “further concrete actions”. He declined to specify a timeline. Falconer faced angry questioning from MPs across multiple parties demanding stronger UK measures on sanctions, weapons sales, and Palestinian recognition. Dozens of Labour and Conservative MPs have signed letters calling for immediate recognition of Palestine, but have yet to receive a response.
Conservative MP Kit Malthouse accused the government of “theatrics”, saying: “He shows up, he mouths the words full of condemnation and being appalled, and very occasionally, the government leaks out just enough sanctions to keep the Labour benches from open revolt.” Tory colleague Jeremy Wright urged the UK to recognise Palestine, asking: “Why has it not yet?” Labour backbencher Paula Barker questioned: “What more evidence do we need to call this exactly what it is – a deliberate policy of annexation and genocide?”
Falconer confirmed that the government is reconsidering its position on Palestinian statehood and is open to immediate recognition. Government sources indicated that an announcement could be made at a UN conference later this month hosted by France and Saudi Arabia on a two-state solution, with the UK seeking compromises in exchange, including an agreement by Hamas.
Outside Parliament, dozens of protesters gathered, with one person arrested following 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 it is unlikely to proceed as the government will not support a substantive vote to establish it.
