UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemns Israel’s missile
strike on a Gaza hospital that killed at least 20, urging restraint and
accountability.
The attack on Nasser Hospital in the southern Gaza Strip left the Foreign Secretary "horrified."
The series of strikes, which were part of a larger offensive Israel has started on Gaza, killed five journalists.
Journalists from Reuters, Al Jazeera, The Associated Press, and Middle East Eye, a UK-based media organization, were among those killed.
According to Palestinian officials, at least 20 people have been murdered in what is reportedly one of the bloodiest Israeli strikes to target journalists and hospitals.
Journalists and rescuers hurried to the hospital site after the first strike struck a structure there, and then another missile struck.
Writing on social media site X, Mr Lammy said:
Horrified by Israel’s attack on Nasser hospital.
Civilians, healthcare workers and journalists must be protected. We need an immediate ceasefire.”
US President Donald Trump said he was “not happy” about the hospital attack when asked about it by reporters at the White House.
A statement released by the office of Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, said:
“Israel deeply regrets the tragic mishap that occurred today at the Nasser Hospital in Gaza.
Israel values the work of journalists, medical staff, and all civilians.”
It added:
“Our war is with Hamas terrorists. Our just goals are defeating Hamas and bringing our hostages home.”
Six journalists were killed in an Israeli attack on Gaza City two weeks ago.
According to the Israeli Defense Forces, they had targeted Al Jazeera reporter Anas al-Sharif, who they said was in charge of a Hamas cell.
According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, Israel has not offered any proof to support its claims.
How will Lammy's statement influence UK policy or sanctions decisions?
David Lammy's statement condemning the Israeli strike on
Gaza's hospital will likely reinforce the UK's stance on holding parties
accountable for actions that harm civilians and exacerbate the humanitarian
crisis. Historically, Lammy has been actively involved in pushing for stronger
UK measures related to human rights abuses and conflict accountability,
including sanctioning far-right Israeli ministers for inciting violence.
His condemnation may strengthen political pressure within the UK government to increase diplomatic efforts for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, ramp up humanitarian aid, and intensify scrutiny on Israel's actions in the conflict. It may also influence future UK sanctions decisions targeting individuals or entities deemed responsible for worsening the situation or violating international law.
Lammy's approach aligns with a broader UK policy trend of combining condemnation, sanctions, and calls for negotiation as tools to push for peace and human rights compliance.