The UK government declared that Israel is not committing
genocide in Gaza, but it described the casualties and destruction as
"utterly appalling." The UK emphasised its commitment to humanitarian
aid in Gaza while supporting a two-state solution and demanding urgent
ceasefire actions.
Major UK Government Position on Gaza Conflict
As reported by Sky News on 8 September 2025, the UK government
stated unequivocally that it does not classify Israel's military
actions in Gaza as genocide but condemned the scale of casualties and
destruction as "utterly appalling". This position underscores a
nuanced stance acknowledging the harsh human cost of the conflict without
accusing Israel of genocidal intent. The UK reiterated its support for Israel’s
right to defend itself while urging for immediate humanitarian relief.
Humanitarian Crisis and Aid Efforts
According to a statement from UK Foreign Secretary detailed
on the official GOV.UK site dated 1 September 2025, the UK has committed
substantial aid to Gaza, increasing total support to £144 million since the
last election to enable emergency medical care and essential supplies. The UK
is funding organisations such as UK-Med and the World Health Organisation to
sustain field hospitals and medical treatment in and around Gaza. The
government is also facilitating the transfer of critically ill and injured
children from Gaza to specialist NHS facilities in the UK, with the first
patients expected imminently.
Political and Diplomatic Actions
As reported by BBC News and other reputable outlets, UK
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced a policy shift potentially
recognising a Palestinian state at the upcoming UN General Assembly unless
Israel undertakes concrete measures, including a ceasefire and resumption of
humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza. This move aligns with France’s recent plan
to recognise Palestinian statehood and comes amid mounting pressure within the
UK and internationally for a resolution to the protracted conflict.
The Prime Minister’s conditions for recognising Palestinian
statehood include Israel ceasing military operations in Gaza, allowing
unfettered humanitarian aid into the territory, and recommitting to a viable
two-state solution. Starmer also condemned any annexation efforts in occupied
territories and stressed that Hamas must release all hostages, disarm, and
agree to ceasefire terms to contribute to peace.
Criticism and Regional Stability Concerns
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticised the
UK’s potential recognition of Palestine as rewarding terrorism, stating
strongly against any concessions to Hamas. Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump also expressed scepticism about recognising Palestinian statehood
under the current circumstances, reflecting ongoing divides in international
perspectives.
UK officials including Minister Falconer have publicly
opposed Israel’s military escalation and illegal settlement expansions in the
West Bank, describing these actions as undermining regional stability. The UK
government has imposed sanctions on far-right Israeli ministers and settler
groups, suspended parts of arms export licenses to Israel, and blocked Israel’s
attendance at arms exhibitions in London.
UK Military Support and Diplomatic Balancing
Historically, the UK has provided diplomatic support and
military aid to Israel, including surveillance intelligence and military
equipment exports. However, under the current Labour government led by Keir
Starmer, the UK has shifted toward pressing Israel for ceasefires and increased
humanitarian relief in Gaza. Diplomatic efforts include cooperation with
regional partners and calls for a mediated peace process preserving Israel’s
security alongside Palestinian sovereignty.
Public and Political Reactions
Within the UK, the government's position has sparked mixed reactions. Opposition Liberal Democrats praised the decision as a "crucial step" but called for faster recognition of Palestinian statehood and stronger actions such as arms embargoes on Israel. Meanwhile, the ban on the pro-Palestinian group Palestine Action under terrorism laws has drawn criticism from international legal experts and civil liberties groups.
The UK government maintains it is actively working with international partners, including France and Arab states, to advance a peaceful two-state solution, stressing the urgency in ending the humanitarian crisis and securing the release of hostages held by Hamas. Prime Minister Starmer’s announcement ahead of the UN General Assembly signals a willingness to leverage political recognition as a tool to influence peace and stability in the region.