**Keir Starmer Condemns Israel’s Plan to Take Over Gaza City**
UK Labour Party leader Keir Starmer has strongly condemned Israel’s plan to take control of Gaza City, calling it “wrong” and saying it will only lead to more bloodshed. In a statement, Starmer emphasized that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening every day, with Hamas holding hostages in inhumane conditions.
**A Call for Ceasefire and Humanitarian Aid**
Starmer urged for an immediate ceasefire and an increase in humanitarian aid to be sent to Gaza. He also called on Hamas to release all its hostages and engage in a negotiated resolution. “Hamas cannot play a role in the future of Gaza, and must leave along with disarming,” he stated.
**Liberal Democrat Leader Agrees**
Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, echoed Starmer’s concerns, describing Israel’s plan as “utterly abhorrent.” He accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of having a goal of ethnic cleansing in Gaza. “This plan will only serve to further devastate the lives of millions of Gazans, whose homes and communities have already been destroyed,” Davey said.
**UK Government Must Take Decisive Action**
Davey also urged the UK government to take decisive action, including stopping the export of arms to Israel and sanctioning Netanyahu and his cabinet. The UK is at odds with the US over its recognition of Hamas as a legitimate interlocutor in peace talks.
**Israel’s Plan Moves Forward**
Despite international criticism, Israel’s Security Cabinet has approved the plan to take control of Gaza City. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) will be prepared to take control of the city while providing humanitarian assistance to civilians outside combat zones.
