Middle East, Starmer: ‘Wrong decision on Gaza, Israel should reconsider plan’

Turin, 8 August. (LaPresse) – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called the Israeli Security Cabinet's decision to ‘further intensify its offensive’ in Gaza “wrong” and urged the government to reconsider it immediately. ‘This action will do nothing to end the conflict or secure the release of hostages. It will only lead to further bloodshed,’ he said. ‘Every day, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens and the hostages taken by Hamas are being held in appalling and inhumane conditions,’ he said. ‘What we need is a ceasefire, a surge in humanitarian aid, the release of all hostages by Hamas and a negotiated solution. Hamas cannot have any role in the future of Gaza and must leave and disarm.’ Starmer then recalled that ‘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 and, ultimately, to achieve a better future for Palestinians and Israelis,’ but ‘if both sides do not engage in good faith negotiations, this prospect is fading before our eyes.’ He concluded: ‘Our message is clear: a diplomatic solution is possible, but both sides must abandon the path of destruction.’