British FM and ambassador condemn resumed fighting in Gaza, urge diplomatic solution

British Foreign Minister David Lammy and the UK Ambassador to Israel Simon Walters criticize the renewed Israeli strikes in Gaza, emphasizing the need for diplomacy over continued conflict.

“We all want to see Hamas defeated and we are desperate for the hostages to return home,” writes Walters on X, “but renewed IDF operations in Gaza will achieve neither of those aims. Instead, there will be more death: of hostages, of Palestinian civilians, of IDF soldiers.”

“At some point the fighting has to stop and the diplomacy begin. That point is now,” Walters adds.

Lammy also posts a statement to X, saying that, “The civilian casualties from Israeli strikes overnight are appalling. All parties must re-engage with negotiations to get hostages out, surge aid, and secure a permanent end to this conflict. Diplomacy, not more bloodshed, is how we get security for Israelis and Palestinians.”

Lammy’s comments come a day after he told the British House of Commons that Israel’s aid blockade on Gaza violates international law.

Earlier today, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer distanced himself from Lammy’s remarks yesterday. According to Politico, Starmer’s spokesperson described Israel’s actions as a “clear risk” but stressed that determining illegality is the role of international courts