The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, expressed deep concern over the ongoing crisis in Gaza, stating that the Middle East cannot afford another year of war. He reflected on the tragic events of 7 October 2023, where over 1,000 people lost their lives due to violence perpetrated by Hamas. Starmer described the situation in Gaza as a “living hell” and emphasized the devastating impact on innocent civilians, with nearly 42,000 Palestinians killed in just one year.
He extended solidarity to all victims in Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, and beyond, condemning any form of hatred towards Jews or Muslims. Starmer called for an end to the conflict, highlighting the urgent need for all parties to exercise restraint and prevent the region from descending into further chaos.
In response to a question from Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey about potential action against the Iranian Republican Guard Corps (IRGC), Starmer mentioned that the government is actively exploring measures to address threats posed by the IRGC. He noted that over 400 sanction designations against Iranian entities and individuals are already in place, underscoring the importance of addressing this issue.
The Prime Minister’s remarks underscore the gravity of the situation in Gaza and the broader Middle East, urging a collective effort to prevent escalation and seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict. As tensions remain high and the risk of all-out war looms large, Starmer’s call for restraint and diplomacy is a crucial step towards averting further bloodshed and instability in the region.
