Pathway to 2-state solution is ‘only way’ for settled and lasting peace in Middle East, says Keir Starmer
LONDON — The British prime minister said Wednesday they are working with other leaders to bring about a rapid and unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, where the situation amid an Israeli aid blockade lasting over two months is, in his words, intolerable.
“The situation in Gaza is simply intolerable and getting worse, and we are working with other leaders urgently to bring about rapid and unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, which is desperately needed,” Keir Starmer told at the weekly Prime Minister’s Questions session in parliament.
He said he believes that alongside ensuring unimpeded aid flow, the release of hostages and returning to a ceasefire are the initial actions that needs to be taken.
He reiterated that the pathway to a two-state solution is “the only way” for settled and lasting peace in the Middle East.
“We will continue with our allies to pursue that path,” said Starmer in response to a question by Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey.
Israel’s denial of aid is appalling’
Separately, Hamish Falconer, minister for the Middle East, made a statement to the House of Commons on Gaza, recalling that alongside partners, the UK convened a meeting of the UN Security Council on Tuesday in response to the “intolerable civilian suffering and humanitarian need in Gaza.”
“As I told this House yesterday, Israel’s denial of aid is appalling,” he noted.
Citing Israeli officials’ remarks that the decision to block humanitarian aid is a “pressure lever,” Falconer said this is “cruel” and “indefensible.”
He added: “The world wants Israel to stop and change course immediately. With our allies we are telling the Government of Israel: lift the block on aid entering Gaza now. Enable the UN and all humanitarians to save lives, now. We need an immediate ceasefire, now.”
Stressing that humanitarian aid must never be used as a political tool or military tactic, the minister reaffirmed that the UK will not support any aid mechanism that seeks to deliver political or military objectives or puts vulnerable civilians at risk.
– ‘Israel has obligation to implement ICJ measures’
Turning to the genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Falconer underlined that the UK supports the ICJ and its independence.
“The ICJ issued a set of provisional measures in this case and we support those measures,” he said, highlighting that Israel has an obligation to implement them.
He added that the UK’s “complete focus” is on lifting Israeli restrictions on aid, on freeing the hostages, on protecting civilians, and on restoring the ceasefire.
Since March 2, Israel has kept Gaza crossings closed to food, medical, and humanitarian aid, deepening an already humanitarian crisis in the enclave.
The Israeli army has continued its brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip, killing nearly 53,000 Palestinians since October 2023, most of them women and children.
The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave. — AA
