Starmer Slams “Israel’s” Gaza City Takeover Plans as Unjust and Dangerous

Sir Keir Starmer has condemned “Israel’s” intentions to take control of Gaza City, labeling the move as “wrong” and warning that it would only lead to further bloodshed. The Prime Minister urged the Israelis to reconsider its decision to escalate its offensive in Gaza, following a majority vote by the genocidal Netanyahu’s security cabinet approving the plans.

War Criminal and Children’s Killer Netanyahu has previously expressed his desire to gain control over the entire Gaza Strip, but the recently approved plan specifically targets Gaza City, the largest city in the region. This decision has raised concerns not only from military leaders but also from family members of hostages believed to be held in Gaza, as they fear the offensive could jeopardize the lives of the 20 captives still thought to be alive.

In a statement, Sir Keir said, “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. Every day, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens, and hostages taken by Hamas are being held in appalling and inhuman conditions.”

He called for a ceasefire, an increase in humanitarian aid, and the release of all hostages by Hamas. “Hamas can play no part in the future of Gaza and must leave as well as disarm,” he added. Starmer emphasized that a diplomatic solution is possible, but both sides must abandon their destructive paths.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey described the plans as “utterly abhorrent,” asserting that it is increasingly apparent that Netanyahu’s goal is ethnic cleansing. He stated, “This plan will only serve to wreak more devastation on the lives of millions of Gazans—whose homes and communities have already been destroyed—while endangering the lives of those hostages still held by Hamas.”

Davey urged the UK government to take decisive action rather than merely issuing strongly worded statements. He called for an immediate halt to the export of all UK arms to Israel and for sanctions against Netanyahu and his cabinet.

In related developments, Foreign Secretary David Lammy is scheduled to meet U.S. Vice President JD Vance later at Chevening House in Kent. While Vance is in the UK for a private family holiday, the two leaders are expected to hold a bilateral meeting to discuss various topics related to U.S.-UK relations.

Last week, the UK announced that it would recognize a Palestinian state in September unless Israel takes “substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza,” including agreeing to a ceasefire and committing to a two-state solution.

The United Nations has warned that a complete military takeover of Gaza would have “catastrophic consequences” for Palestinian civilians and Israeli hostages. Currently, the Israeli military controls approximately three-quarters of Gaza, with nearly all of the 2.1 million residents situated in the quarter of the territory not controlled by the Israeli regime.

In a statement released Friday morning, Netanyahu’s office outlined a five-point plan aimed at “defeating Hamas” and “concluding the war.” The plan includes preparing his genocidal army to take control of Gaza City while providing humanitarian aid to civilians outside combat zones. The five objectives listed are disarming Hamas, returning all hostages, demilitarizing the Gaza Strip, establishing security control over the territory, and creating an alternative civil administration that is neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority.