British Foreign Secretary David Lammy issued a strong warning to Israel if the humanitarian situation in Gaza worsens further, becoming one of its strongest criticisms since an increase in violence this year. This warning represented one of many strong criticisms by UK government against Israel this year.
At an emergency parliamentary session, Lammy stated that Britain cannot remain silent while thousands suffer and Israel must adhere to international humanitarian law. He stressed the need for immediate and sustained ceasefires with unrestricted humanitarian access as well as renewed commitments towards peace negotiations.
“Should the situation deteriorate further and there is no change to Israel’s military operations or humanitarian posture, the UK is prepared to step up its response by revisiting arms export licenses and increasing diplomatic pressure to uphold civilian rights”, Lammy stated.
Foreign Secretary Johnson’s remarks came amid mounting international alarm at Gaza’s rising death toll and devastation, according to recent reports from humanitarian organizations. As per reports from humanitarian groups, over 30,000 have been killed since conflict reignited; most victims were women and children. With infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, and water systems destroyed as a result of fighting, 2 million residents of Gaza desperately require aid assistance.
Lammy confirmed that the UK had taken steps in cooperation with allies, such as restricting certain arms exports that could be used in conflict and increasing humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians, to try and stem violence in Gaza. Unfortunately, these may not be sufficient.
“We are closely working with our partners in the European Union, United States and United Nations to exert pressure where necessary and support diplomatic initiatives for peace,” he stated.
Keir Starmer’s government is under increasing public and parliamentary pressure to take a firmer stance towards Israeli arms sales and greater support for Palestinian rights advocacy. Protests have broken out across major British cities in recent weeks demanding an end to such deals and stronger advocacy for their rights.
Israeli authorities maintain that their military operations against Hamas militants are necessary to safeguard national security after several attacks against Israeli territory this year. Critics, however, argue that the scale and intensity of bombing campaigns has caused irreparable harm to civilians.
Israeli officials have responded angrily to Lammy’s statements, branding them “misguided and unhelpful,” as well as accusing the UK of undermining an important partnership in fighting terror.
Lammy noted the tension in diplomatic circles, yet reiterated the UK’s support of Israel’s right to self-defense while noting its limits under international law.
“While we support Israel’s security, collective punishment must never come at the cost of innocent lives being protected,” he stated.
As international pressure for accountability grows louder, Britain’s changing stance may signal a change in how Western powers engage with Israel-Gaza conflict in future.