LONDON
July 24, 2025 In a significant and impactful diplomatic move, the United Kingdom has strongly condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank.
The UK has condemned the killing of starving civilians, the expansion of illegal settlements and “settlement terrorism”.
These comments by newly appointed British Foreign Secretary David Lammy highlight the growing international opposition to Israel’s ongoing military operations and settlement activities.
“Killing the Starving is Grotesque”
Addressing parliament and later repeating the same at a UN session, David Lammy described recent attacks by the IDF on Palestinian civilians seeking food aid as “abhorrent and morally indefensible”.
His comments came just days after reports confirmed the deaths of several civilians near aid convoys in northern Gaza, where people were reportedly killed while trying to obtain food in a region suffering famine-like conditions.
“It is disgusting to kill starving people when they are extending a helping hand. The world cannot close its eyes,” Lamy said with deep emotion.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has escalated to catastrophic levels, with more than 35,000 people dead, most of them women and children.
Entire neighborhoods are reduced to rubble, hospitals are closed, and the Israeli blockade is restricting access to food and clean water.
UK Labels West Bank Settler Attacks as “Terrorism”
For the first time in Britain’s recent history, a sitting foreign secretary has described the violence perpetrated by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank as “settler terrorism.”
Lammy explained that these attacks are not just random acts of violence ; they are part of a wider strategy to forcibly evict Palestinians from their ancestral homes.
He criticized Israel’s E1 settlement expansion plan, which would effectively divide the West Bank and disrupt Palestinian territorial continuity. He called it a “flagrant violation of international law” and a serious threat to the prospects of a two-state solution.
He said, “There is no justification for this. The development of illegal settlements and the settler violence are aimed at preventing any possibility of peace.”
Britain still holds back from calling Israel’s actions “genocide”
Despite the strong language used, the UK government has not yet officially called Israel’s actions “genocide“.
Lammy explained that such serious cases should be left to international courts such as the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Although many human rights organizations, including Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and Amnesty International, argue that Israel’s actions meet the legal definition of genocide, the UK is taking a more cautious legal stance.
That said, the diplomatic environment is certainly changing.
Recently, Britain joined 28 other countries in issuing a joint statement condemning the “inhumane killings” taking place in Gaza.
They called for an immediate ceasefire, resumption of humanitarian aid and a renewed commitment to the two-state peace process.
🥀 A Humanitarian Crisis Unfolding
The emotional impact of the war in Gaza is hard to ignore. Heartbreaking images of starving children, collapsing buildings and grieving mothers have dominated the international media, sparking global protests and demands for accountability.
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), more than 1.9 million Palestinians around 85% of Gaza’s population have been forced to flee their homes.
Palestinian advocates in Britain welcomed Lammy’s remarks, but urged the government to take stronger action by stopping arms sales to Israel and recognising the horrific situation as state-led ethnic cleansing.
“Words matter. But the people of Gaza need more than just condemnation – they need protection,” said a spokesperson for the Palestine Solidarity Campaign UK.
Why This Matters for the World and the USA
Being a close ally of both Britain and Israel, the US feels the need to rethink its strategy. With Britain coming forward and raising its voice, the military support being given to Israel by the Biden administration is coming under even tighter scrutiny.
At the same time, communities across the United States particularly Arab-Americans, Jewish peace groups, and students are rallying in support of Gaza, calling for a permanent ceasefire and recognition of Palestinian rights.
Conclusion: A Shift Towards Accountability?
Britain’s recent shift in stance marks a turning point in international diplomacy. By calling attention to settler terrorism, condemning civilian casualties, and criticizing illegal settlements, Britain is moving closer to global human rights standards even if it stops short of officially labeling Israel’s actions genocide.
The world is paying attention. For families trapped in the rubble in Gaza, every word literally counts.
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