UK PM condemns Israel’s decision to escalate Gaza offensive, calls to reconsider

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned Israel’s recent decision to escalate its military offensive in Gaza, calling for an immediate reconsideration to prevent further bloodshed and suffering.

“The Israeli Government’s decision to further escalate its offensive in Gaza is wrong, and we urge it to reconsider immediately. 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," Starmer said in a statement, Caliber.Az cites. 

The Israeli Government’s decision to further escalate its offensive in Gaza is wrong, and we urge it to reconsider immediately.

Every day the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens and hostages taken by Hamas are being held in appalling and inhuman conditions.

We need a ceasefire… pic.twitter.com/UoJhjss81e

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) August 8, 2025

Highlighting the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, Starmer pointed to the dire conditions of hostages held by Hamas. 

“Every day the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens and hostages taken by Hamas are being held in appalling and inhuman conditions,” he said. The Prime Minister called for a ceasefire, increased humanitarian aid, the release of all hostages by Hamas, and a negotiated solution to the conflict.

Starmer also stressed that Hamas must be removed and disarmed for lasting peace.

“Hamas can play no part in the future of Gaza and must leave as well as disarm,” he added.

The UK leader underscored ongoing diplomatic efforts with allies toward a two-state solution, aimed at securing a peaceful future for both Palestinians and Israelis. However, he warned that without genuine negotiations, “that prospect is vanishing before our eyes.”

He concluded, “Our message is clear: a diplomatic solution is possible, but both parties must step away from the path of destruction.”

Early on August 8, Israel’s security cabinet in Jerusalem approved a plan to take control of Gaza City following a lengthy meeting. The decision was reached by majority vote and included five principles intended to end the war: disarmament of Hamas; return of all hostages, living and dead; demilitarisation of the Gaza Strip; Israeli security control over the Gaza Strip; and the establishment of an alternative civilian government that is neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority.

According to the official statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) "will prepare to take control of Gaza City while continuing to provide humanitarian aid to civilians outside active combat zones."

The statement also noted that an absolute majority of cabinet ministers believed alternative plans would fail to defeat Hamas or secure the hostages’ return, justifying the escalation.

By Sabina Mammadli