Today: 2 August 2025
15 July 2024
3 mins read

Lammy urges immediate Gaza ceasefire, release of hostages

Labour has also pledged to recognise the Palestinian state, though has not yet said when it will do so…reports Asian Lite News

David Lammy has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during his first visit to Israel and the Palestinian Territories as foreign secretary. “I’m here to push for a ceasefire,” he said. “The loss of life over the last few months… is horrendous. It has to stop.”

Lammy also urged the release of all hostages held in Gaza and an increase in the flow of aid to the territory. The newly elected minister held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority PM Mohammad Mustafa on Sunday.

He is later due to meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog and families of some hostages with ties to the UK. “It’s important that, whilst we are in a war, that war is conducted according to international humanitarian law,” Lammy said.

“Of course I will be pressing Israeli leaders on that subject over the coming days.” The foreign secretary also expressed frustration over a lack of British aid trucks entering Gaza “after months and months of asking”, echoing long-running complaints from aid agencies about deliveries being blocked or delayed by complex inspections imposed by the Israeli military.

He said the humanitarian situation in Gaza was “appalling” and that the UK would be providing an additional £5.5m to medical charity UK-Med to fund its work in the territory. The Labour Party has recently faced a backlash from some Muslim voters over its response to the conflict, which many consider insufficiently critical of Israel.

The new government now faces decisions on several key issues, including whether to limit or stop weapons sales to Israel over the loss of civilian life. Asked about the sales, Lammy said he would “look at the assessment and the legal considerations”.

“That process has begun and I hope to report to Parliament as soon as I possibly can,” he added. He also said he would make a statement about the future of UK funding to the UNRWA – the UN’s main agency providing aid in Gaza – in the coming days.

The UK was among more than a dozen countries that suspended funding to the agency in January over allegations that several staff members were involved in the 7 October attack, and is one of only a few that are yet to restore it. Labour has also pledged to recognise the Palestinian state, though has not yet said when it will do so.

Israel launched its operation in Gaza following last October’s Hamas attack, which saw around 1,200 people killed and 251 taken hostage. Netanyahu has said Israel will continue its war until all the hostages have been released and Hamas has been destroyed.

At least 38,584 people have been killed in Gaza during Israel’s offensive, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. A UN-backed assessment last month found there was a “high risk” of famine in the territory, with almost half a million people facing “catastrophic levels” of hunger. The ministry also said at least 141 people had been killed in Israeli strikes since Saturday. Israel said one of those strikes, which hit a humanitarian zone, was targeting a senior Hamas leader.

ALSO READ-US resuming shipments of 500-pound bombs to Israel

Previous Story

China, Russia start joint naval drills

Next Story

Heartbreak for England

Latest from -Top News

IBPC Dubai charts new growth path

Former Tata Motors CEO Ravi Kant headlines exclusive event as Indian business council sets course for transformation….reports Asian Lite News The Indian Business & Professional Council (IBPC) Dubai has signalled a significant

Miles in the Malls!

Dubai Mallathon kicks off today – The emirate’s biggest malls transform into indoor fitness arenas, inviting residents to walk, run, and win — all while staying cool, healthy, and community-connected….reports Asian Lite

Famine grips Gaza, WHO warns

WHO said Gaza’s population is facing acute food insecurity under the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification…reports Asian Lite News The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued its starkest warning yet about the

Lifeline from UAE to Gaza

UAE’s Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 sustains Gaza’s collapsing health system with hospitals, treatment, aid, and vaccines, offering vital relief to thousands amid deepening crisis….reports Asian Lite News The United Arab Emirates has

Modi, MBZ talk big ties

The call reaffirmed their keenness to “strengthen relations in line with their shared vision to leverage opportunities and deepen strategic cooperation.”…reports Asian Lite News In a significant diplomatic engagement, Prime Minister Narendra
Go toTop