Starmer Condemns Israel’s Gaza City Takeover Plan as International Concerns Mount

Sir Keir Starmer, Leader of the Labour Party, has strongly condemned Israel’s recent decision to proceed with plans to take control of Gaza City, branding the move as “wrong” and predicting it “will only bring more bloodshed.” His statement comes after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet approved the offensive overnight, focusing specifically on the largest city in the Gaza Strip.

Starmer urged the Israeli government to immediately reconsider its decision, emphasizing that such action would neither end the conflict nor secure the release of hostages, but rather exacerbate the humanitarian crisis. He reiterated calls for a ceasefire, increased humanitarian aid, the release of all Hamas-held hostages, and a negotiated two-state solution, stating that Hamas must disarm and have no future role in Gaza.

The proposed takeover has sparked widespread alarm beyond the Labour Party. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey denounced the plans as “utterly abhorrent,” accusing Netanyahu of pursuing “ethnic cleansing” and calling for immediate UK action, including an end to arms exports to Israel and sanctions against Netanyahu’s cabinet. The Green Party and SNP have echoed these demands, urging the Prime Minister to recall Parliament and take decisive steps against Israel’s actions.

Internationally, the United Nations has warned of “catastrophic consequences” for Palestinian civilians and Israeli hostages should a complete military takeover occur. The Israeli military currently controls approximately three-quarters of Gaza, with the majority of the population displaced into the remaining quarter. Netanyahu’s office outlined a five-point plan for “defeating Hamas,” including disarming the group, returning hostages, demilitarizing Gaza, and establishing an “alternative civil administration.” Hamas, in turn, accused Israel of “ethnic cleansing” and disregarding the hostages’ fate.

The escalating situation also featured in discussions between US Vice-President JD Vance and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy at Chevening House. While both nations share a goal of addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, they hold differing views on the recognition of a Palestinian state. Last week, the UK announced its intention to recognize a Palestinian state in September unless Israel takes “substantive steps” towards a ceasefire and a two-state solution – a move strongly criticized by Israel and differing from the current US position.

阅读中文版 (Read Chinese Version)

Disclaimer: This content is aggregated from public sources online. Please verify information independently. If you believe your rights have been infringed, contact us for removal.