Summary
- The UK sharply criticized Israel's Gaza aid restrictions.
- Called policies an “affront” to the UN charter.
- Issues focus on the starving population's humanitarian aid.
- Rebuke came amid ongoing Gaza crisis.
- Statement reported by Anadolu news agency.
In order to revive the possibility of a two-state solution, Starmer stated that London would act "unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza, agree to a ceasefire, and commit to a long-term sustainable peace." The comments seem to be an attempt to increase diplomatic pressure on Tel Aviv.
“The devastation in Gaza is heartbreaking. Children are starving, and Israel’s drip-feeding of aid has horrified the world. These are an affront to the values of the Charter of the United Nations,”
Foreign Secretary David Lammy told the Security Council.
“It is with the hand of history on our shoulders that His Majesty’s government therefore intends to recognize the State of Palestine when the UN General Assembly gathers in September here in New York,”
he added, reiterating an announcement hours earlier by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Lammy stated that 10 Downing Street will attempt to "affect the situation on the ground" in Gaza during the course of the next eight weeks, which is how long it will take for world leaders to gather in New York for the General Assembly.
He maintained, however, that
“recognition by itself will not change the situation on the ground. That is why we are taking immediate steps as well, like air dropping humanitarian supplies, along with our partners in Jordan, getting injured children into British hospitals and pressing for the resumption of the United Nations humanitarian assistance.”
“We also believe that a lasting ceasefire requires urgent progress on governance and security in Gaza. We are therefore working with allies on a plan for long-term political negotiations and a two-state solution,”
he said.
As the humanitarian situation in the beleaguered enclave worsens, Doctors Without Borders observed a sharp increase in child malnutrition in the Gaza Strip, with cases among children under five tripling in recent weeks.
As evidence of a worsening hunger problem grows, the figures are rolling in. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, at least 147 Palestinians have died since October 7, 2023, as a result of starvation and malnutrition in the past 24 hours, including two children. At least 88 children are among the deceased.
Echoing the alarm, the UN World Food Program described the most recent Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report on Gaza as an urgent "call to action" rather than a "warning."
Gaza is experiencing "the worst-case scenario of famine," according to the international hunger monitoring organization, as a result of ongoing military operations, mass displacement, and the breakdown of access to food and essential services.
How has Israel responded officially to the UK's criticism of its restrictions on aid to Gaza?
Israel has responded to the UK's criticism of its restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza by asserting that it has introduced new measures for aid delivery, which it claims are designed to open up aid access.
However, the UK and other international partners have condemned these measures as inhumane, ineffective, dangerous, and fostering desperation among civilians.
The UK has highlighted reports of Palestinians being killed when trying to access paid sites and has called for an immediate end to Israel's unjustified blockade of Gaza humanitarian aid. The Israeli government maintains that it has implemented a new system for aid, but warnings from the UK, UN, and aid organizations about this system's risks have proven valid, with civilians continuing to suffer grievously.