Starmer Pressures Israel Over Gaza
Starmer Meets Israeli President Amid Tensions Over Gaza and Palestinian Statehood
LONDON – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Wednesday amid rising tensions over the conflict in Gaza and plans for Palestinian statehood.
The meeting came a day after Israel expanded its attacks on Hamas, including an airstrike targeting the group’s political leaders in Qatar, a move Starmer condemned.
Israel has voiced frustration over Britain’s plan to join other Western countries, including France and Canada, in recognising a Palestinian state later this month—unless Israel meets certain conditions, such as a ceasefire in Gaza.
Speaking at a Chatham House event later, Herzog described the discussion as “tough and strong,” adding: “When allies meet, they can argue. We are both democracies.” He said disagreements centered on Starmer’s stance on Palestinian statehood and humanitarian aid in Gaza. Herzog also invited the British government to conduct a fact-finding mission to Israel.
Starmer, according to his office, urged Herzog to change course in Gaza, expressing deep concern over the humanitarian crisis and calling on Israel to allow aid and pause offensive operations. He reaffirmed Britain’s longstanding alliance with Israel and emphasized his commitment to pursuing a lasting peace for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Earlier, the two leaders shook hands outside Downing Street, but the encounter was marked by solemnity rather than smiles. Starmer also directly condemned Israel’s airstrike on Qatar, calling it “completely unacceptable” and a violation of a key partner’s sovereignty, a Downing Street spokesperson said.
The war in Gaza has strained Israel’s relations with Britain and other European nations. The UK recently blocked Israeli officials from attending its largest defence trade show this week.
Starmer faces pressure from members of his own party to take a tougher stance on Israel, but he told parliament on Wednesday that diplomacy remains key to achieving a ceasefire in Gaza and securing the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Though largely ceremonial, Herzog’s remarks following the October 7, 2023 attacks—blaming all residents of Gaza for Hamas-led violence—have drawn significant criticism.
Starmer has also engaged with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who reaffirmed on Monday that Hamas will have “absolutely no role” in any future Palestinian government.
Britain has pledged to recognise a Palestinian state at the U.N. General Assembly later this month unless Israel fulfills four conditions, including ending the war in Gaza and allowing increased humanitarian aid.
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