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Situation in Gaza intolerable, says Starmer

19 May 2025 2 minute read
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Image: Jack Taylor/PA Wire

The situation in Gaza is “unacceptable”, Sir Keir Starmer said, as pressure mounted on Israel to restore aid supplies.

The Prime Minister said the situation was intolerable, and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said Israel must lift its blockade.

Benjamin Netanyahu’s government said it would allow a “basic” amount of aid into Gaza to prevent a “hunger crisis” from developing.

The Israeli prime minister acknowledged there was international pressure from his allies on the issue.

In a video statement posted on social media, Mr Netanyahu said Israel’s “greatest friends in the world” had told him: “We cannot accept images of hunger, mass hunger. We cannot stand that. We will not be able to support you.”

‘Unacceptable’

At a press conference after the UK-EU summit in London, Sir Keir said: “It is a really serious, unacceptable, intolerable situation, and that’s why we are working intensely to co-ordinate with other leaders how we respond to this, because it is intolerable, it is unacceptable, and we will continue to work in that way.”

Mrs von der Leyen said: “The humanitarian situation in Gaza is unacceptable. For two months now, no humanitarian supplies have entered Gaza.

“Aid must reach civilians in need immediately and the blockade on Gaza needs to be lifted now, because humanitarian aid must never be politicised.

“And we are calling for a resumption of the ceasefire and the immediate release of the hostages, so that a permanent end of the hostilities can be finally achieved.”

Crisis

She said a two-state solution was the only way to ultimately resolve the crisis, promising European Commission funding to the Palestinian Authority.

Despite Israel’s promise to allow aid in, there was no sign of an easing of the humanitarian crisis as no supplies were delivered by Monday.

Israel launched further air and ground operations across the territory and ordered the evacuation of Gaza’s second-largest city, Khan Younis.

Mr Netanyahu said Israel plans on “taking control of all of Gaza”, putting in place a new system to distribute aid that prevents the involvement of Hamas.


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HarrisR
HarrisR
27 days ago

“I weep for you”, the Starmer cried, holding a pocket handkerchief before his streaming eyes”

If it’s Starmer “Israel has that right” grotesque hypocrisy you now want, then “My Labour Government” from Starmer to Reeves and Rayner, has it by the truck load. Morally and politically bankrupt.

Mab Meirion
Mab Meirion
27 days ago

When did he change his mind…?

David
David
27 days ago
Reply to  Mab Meirion

every hour on the hour..

Y Cymro
Y Cymro
27 days ago

Wipe away those crocodile tears Keir Starmer. It won’t work. You and your cabinet are complicit in the genocide of 60,000 Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank by Israel. You are a war criminal.

A.Redman
A.Redman
26 days ago

In order to show just how concerned he is by these continued totally illegal acts by Israel he should suspend any further arm shipments etc!! Netanayahu is now talking about taking total control of Gaza. Enough is enough and he should have a word with his new ” best friend Trump ” to do the same!!!

Garycymru
Garycymru
26 days ago

Oh, OK. Does this mean he’ll stop munitions made near Pontypool being sent over to turn civilians into casualties??

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