British Foreign Secretary Pushes for Cease-Fire in Gaza Amidst Controversial Visit to Israel

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy | POLICY EXCHANGE

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, representing the newly elected Labour government, has called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza during his recent visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories.

This marks his second international trip since Labour's sweeping victory earlier this month.

Lammy described the ongoing conflict in Gaza as "intolerable" and emphasized Britain's commitment to facilitating diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a cease-fire and advancing a two-state solution. In his meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Lammy reiterated the UK's stance on halting settlement expansion in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, while also calling for the reform and empowerment of the Palestinian Authority.

Lammy's visit included discussions with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and meetings with families of hostages held in Gaza, who have connections to the UK. He urged for the release of all hostages and a significant increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The Labour Party, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has shifted its rhetoric from advocating for a "humanitarian pause" to demanding an immediate cease-fire. This change in stance comes after Labour faced backlash in the recent UK elections, where pro-Palestinian independents defeated Labour candidates in constituencies with large Muslim populations.

Lammy's call for a cease-fire follows Israel's recent military actions, including a massive strike targeting Hamas' military commander in southern Gaza. The attack resulted in the deaths of at least 90 people, including children, according to local health officials. Hamas has denied the death of its military chief, Mohammed Deif, and accused Israel of covering up the scale of the attack.

The conflict, which began after Hamas' October 7 attack on southern Israel that killed approximately 1,200 people and led to the kidnapping of 250, has resulted in significant casualties. Israeli ground offensives and airstrikes have killed over 38,400 people in Gaza and wounded more than 88,000, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The ministry's figures do not differentiate between combatants and civilians.