Prime Minister Keir Starmer will meet US President Donald Trump in Scotland this Monday. Naturally, Gaza’s urgent situation will dominate their talks.
Starmer likely seeks an immediate ceasefire there. Furthermore, he aims to end Gaza’s deepening humanitarian crisis. However, recent ceasefire talks stalled badly. Specifically, US and Israeli teams left Qatar negotiations this week.
Meanwhile, Israel faces growing pressure from allies. Aid agencies warn starkly of mass starvation risks. Previously, agencies criticized air-dropped aid plans. They argue this method proves largely ineffective.
On Sunday, Israel dropped seven aid packages. These contained sugar, flour, and canned food for Gaza. Additionally, the UAE, Jordan, and Egypt sent aid. They used both land and air routes for delivery.
Yet, agencies stress this aid remains critically insufficient. Therefore, malnutrition still threatens countless lives. Consequently, Starmer will convene his cabinet soon. They’ll discuss Gaza urgently during Parliament’s recess.
His government confirmed work with Jordan on aid drops. Moreover, they accelerate evacuations for critically ill children needing UK care. Government minister James Murray called Gaza’s situation “utterly horrifying”. He stressed this point on BBC Breakfast Sunday.
“Starvation must never be a weapon of war,” Murray declared. He emphasized this practice is completely unjustifiable. Murray also stated air drops cannot solve malnutrition alone. He insisted Israel must lift restrictions for more ground aid.
Tragically, Gaza’s Hamas-run ministry reports 127 malnutrition deaths. This grim toll started with the war.
Earlier, Israel imposed an 11-week total blockade. It cut all supplies to Gaza starting in March. Israel resumed aid distribution on May 27rd. This used the new, controversial US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).
Critics widely condemn the GHF system’s dangers. Sadly, it forces civilians through combat zones to reach aid sites. The UN reports over 1,000 Palestinians killed seeking GHF aid. Conversely, Israel claims GHF blocks Hamas from aid and denies restrictions.
Meanwhile, President Trump arrived in Scotland Friday. He has been golfing at his Turnberry course since. Trump also meets EU chief Ursula von der Leyen Sunday. Similarly, Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney will meet him.
Last week, Trump claimed Hamas “didn’t really want” a ceasefire deal. This preceded the US withdrawal from talks. US envoy Steve Witkoff cited Hamas’s lack of good faith. Consequently, he stated the US will explore alternative hostage rescue options.
Finally, Starmer faces mounting pressure to recognize Palestine. France committed to recognition; over a third of UK MPs demand action.
Significantly, the SNP plans a September bill. This aims to force a UK Parliament vote on Palestinian statehood.
