On Tuesday, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed the government’s inability to pursue discussions on trade with Israel amid what he termed its “egregious policies” in Gaza and the West Bank. This stance follows a severe condemnation of Israel’s military actions from the UK, France, and Canada, aimed at addressing the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Lammy highlighted the ongoing violence perpetrated by extremist Israeli settlers in the West Bank, stressing the Israeli government’s responsibility to intervene.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has amplified criticism of Israel, labelling the suffering of children in Gaza as “utterly intolerable” and calling for an urgent ceasefire during remarks in parliament. Starmer’s comments followed a joint statement with French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney which outlined their disapproval of Israel’s actions in the ongoing conflict. They threatened to take “concrete actions” if the Israeli government does not halt its military offensives and significantly enhance humanitarian aid access.
Starmer, continuing the trio’s demands, underscored the critical need for increased humanitarian shipments to Gaza, stating current allowances were insufficient. With international pressure mounting on Israel, particularly regarding its blockade leading to famine warnings, even the United States has raised concerns over the humanitarian crisis. Israel has recently allowed some aid trucks into Gaza, yet UN officials deemed the support inadequate compared to what is urgently required.
In the backdrop of this escalating situation, Israel initially received strong international backing after a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant civilian casualties. Nevertheless, public patience is diminishing in light of reported Palestinian deaths, with Gaza’s Health Ministry stating over 53,000 have died, predominantly women and children during the recent violence.
Macron has actively sought to apply diplomatic pressure on Israel, advocating for a ceasefire and the lifting of aid blockades. He has also indicated France’s willingness to recognise a Palestinian state in the near future, coinciding with an international conference aimed at implementing a two-state solution. Tensions between France and Israel have grown following Macron’s criticism of arms supplies to Israel and related diplomatic gestures aimed at reconsidering EU cooperation agreements with Tel Aviv.
As calls for humanitarian interventions and ceasefires intensify, leaders express a collective urgency to address the plight of Gazans amidst a prolonged conflict that shows little sign of resolution.