British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has strongly criticised Israel’s decision to move ahead with plans to occupy Gaza City, describing the move as “wrong” and urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to step back from a major military escalation.
Starmer’s comments came on Friday after reports confirmed that Israel’s war Cabinet had approved a significant expansion of its military operations in Gaza.
The plan, which falls short of a complete takeover of the entire Gaza Strip, nonetheless marks a decisive intensification of the conflict that has already entered one of its most volatile phases since the initial outbreak of hostilities.
The British leader said the proposed military action would do little to achieve peace or secure the safe return of hostages held by Hamas, warning instead that it would lead to further civilian suffering and prolong the humanitarian disaster unfolding in the territory.
“The Israeli government’s decision to further escalate its offensive in Gaza is wrong, and we urge it to reconsider immediately,” Starmer said in a statement issued from Downing Street.
“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’s intervention comes amid worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where thousands of civilians remain trapped without adequate access to food, water, or medical aid.
International aid agencies have repeatedly warned that the ongoing blockade and bombardment have pushed the enclave to the brink of famine.
According to the British Prime Minister, the priority should be to halt the fighting and provide urgent relief to those affected by months of violence.
He reiterated the UK government’s call for an immediate ceasefire, the delivery of large-scale humanitarian assistance, and the release of all hostages taken during the October 2024 Hamas-led assault on southern Israel.
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“Every day the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens and hostages taken by Hamas are being held in appalling and inhuman conditions,” Starmer said. “What we need is a ceasefire, a surge in humanitarian aid, the release of all hostages by Hamas, and a negotiated solution.”
While urging restraint from Israel, Starmer was also clear that Hamas, designated a terrorist organisation by the UK, has no role in Gaza’s political future. “Hamas can play no part in the future of Gaza and must leave as well as disarm,” he stated.
The Prime Minister’s remarks underline the delicate balance London has sought to maintain—condemning acts of terrorism against Israel while pressing the Israeli government to adhere to international humanitarian law and avoid measures that could escalate regional instability.
Israel’s war Cabinet, led by Netanyahu, has defended the operation as necessary to neutralise remaining Hamas strongholds in Gaza City and secure strategic control points.
Israeli officials argue that Hamas has used civilian areas as operational bases, complicating military efforts and increasing civilian casualties.
Despite global appeals for de-escalation, Israel has maintained that sustained military pressure is essential to dismantle Hamas’s infrastructure and prevent future attacks.
The latest plan, though stopping short of a full-scale reoccupation of Gaza, would likely involve extended Israeli military presence in key urban zones—something critics say risks turning Gaza City into a prolonged conflict zone.
Starmer’s public criticism adds to mounting diplomatic pressure on Israel from Western allies concerned about the humanitarian toll and potential breach of international law.
The UK joins the European Union, United Nations, and other global actors in calling for a political resolution to the crisis rather than continued military confrontation.
