British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned the worsening humanitarian disaster in Gaza, calling it “unspeakable and indefensible,” and announced plans for an emergency call with France and Germany to coordinate urgent action.
In a statement on Thursday, Starmer said discussions would focus on “stopping the killing and delivering food to those in desperate need,” urging Israel to allow unrestricted humanitarian aid into the besieged Palestinian enclave. “The suffering and starvation unfolding in Gaza has reached new depths and continues to worsen,” he warned, describing the crisis as catastrophic.
Gaza health officials report more than 100 deaths from starvation, most occurring in recent weeks. Over 100 aid organizations, including Mercy Corps and the Norwegian Refugee Council, have warned that mass starvation is spreading while vital supplies remain stuck outside Gaza.
Israel, which halted supplies to Gaza in March before resuming limited aid under stricter controls in May, maintains that restrictions are necessary to prevent diversion by militants. However, international pressure is mounting for Israel to allow unimpeded humanitarian access.
Starmer voiced support for U.S., Qatari and Egyptian-led ceasefire efforts, saying a truce could pave the way toward recognizing a Palestinian state and advancing a two-state solution.
The crisis has intensified calls from global leaders for immediate intervention as conditions deteriorate, with growing fears of further civilian casualties and long-term destabilization in the region.
By framing the situation as both a moral and political imperative, Starmer’s appeal signals a stronger push for coordinated international action to address one of the most severe humanitarian emergencies in recent years.