British Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued a strong message to Israel on Thursday, warning that the UK is prepared to escalate its response if Israel does not halt its military campaign in Gaza and ease humanitarian access, according to AFP.
The warning came after Starmer hosted Jordan’s King Abdullah II in London, where both leaders reportedly shared deep concerns about the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as well as rising tensions in Judea and Samaria.
Following the meeting, a Downing Street spokesperson confirmed the Prime Minister’s position, stating, “The Prime Minister reiterated that if Israel did not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, the UK and its partners would take further concrete actions in response.”
The official statement also emphasized the urgent importance of achieving a lasting ceasefire, freeing all remaining hostages, and allowing humanitarian assistance to enter Gaza “at speed and volume” without interference.
The UK’s warning marks the latest in a growing list of actions it has taken against Israel during the ongoing conflict. Just last month, the British government suspended ongoing trade talks with Israel and summoned the Israeli ambassador to express its dissatisfaction with Israel’s handling of the war.
Shortly thereafter, Britain, along with Canada and France, jointly delivered a warning to Israel that failure to end the conflict in Gaza would result in sanctions.
Responding to that message, Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu declared, “By asking Israel to end a defensive war for our survival before Hamas terrorists on our border are destroyed and by demanding a Palestinian state, the leaders in London, Ottawa and Paris are offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7 while inviting more such atrocities.”
Netanyahu continued, “Israel accepts President Trump’s vision and urges all European leaders to do the same. The war can end tomorrow if the remaining hostages are released, Hamas lays down its arms, its murderous leaders are exiled and Gaza is demilitarized. No nation can be expected to accept anything less and Israel certainly won’t.”
“This is a war of civilization over barbarism. Israel will continue to defend itself by just means until total victory is achieved,” he concluded.
{Matzav.com}