8 August 2025
LONDON — UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has issued a forceful statement condemning Israel’s decision to intensify its military offensive in Gaza, warning that further escalation will only deepen the humanitarian crisis and prolong the conflict.
In a sharply worded message released today, Starmer urged the Israeli government to “reconsider immediately,” arguing that expanded military operations would not secure the release of hostages held by Hamas nor bring a sustainable end to the violence. “This action will do nothing to bring an end to this conflict or to help secure the release of the hostages. It will only bring more bloodshed,” he said.
Humanitarian Catastrophe and Hostage Crisis
The Prime Minister highlighted the worsening conditions in Gaza, where civilians face severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. He also condemned Hamas for holding hostages in “appalling and inhuman conditions,” demanding their immediate and unconditional release.
“Every day the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens,” Starmer said. “What we need is a ceasefire, a surge in humanitarian aid, the release of all hostages by Hamas, and a negotiated solution.”
Long-Term Peace Requires Hamas’s Exit
Starmer reiterated that Hamas—designated a terrorist organization by the UK and other Western nations—must disarm and play no role in Gaza’s future governance. However, he stressed that a lasting resolution depends on both sides engaging in good-faith negotiations.
“Together with our allies, we are working on a long-term plan to secure peace in the region as part of a two-state solution,” he said. “But without both sides stepping away from destruction, that prospect is vanishing before our eyes.”
International Pressure Mounts
The statement reflects growing frustration among Israel’s allies over the rising civilian death toll and the lack of progress toward a diplomatic solution. The UK, alongside the US and EU, has repeatedly called for pauses in fighting to allow aid deliveries and hostage negotiations, but efforts have stalled amid repeated clashes.
Starmer’s remarks signal a firmer stance from London, aligning with global calls for de-escalation. “A diplomatic solution is possible,” he insisted, “but the path of violence leads only to more suffering.”
What’s Next?
With no ceasefire in sight and Gaza’s infrastructure near collapse, international mediators are racing to revive stalled talks. Meanwhile, pressure mounts on Israel to avoid a full-scale invasion of Rafah, where over a million displaced Palestinians are sheltering.
As the war enters its tenth month, Starmer’s intervention underscores the urgency of halting the cycle of violence—before more lives are lost.
—Reuters contributed to this report.
