The world “will not tolerate any more excuses on humanitarian assistance” from Israel on the situation in Gaza, the prime minister has said.
Speaking following a meeting with US President Joe Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron, Sir Keir Starmer sought to make the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar a turning point in the current conflict in the Middle East.
Sir Keir told a news conference that “no one should mourn” Sinwar – and the “blood of innocent Israelis” and the “blood of innocent Palestinians” is on his hands.
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He added that “we must make the most of this moment” and called again for a ceasefire.
The prime minister said: “What is needed now is a ceasefire in Gaza, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, immediate access to humanitarian aid and return to the path towards the two-state solution.
“That’s the only way to deliver long term peace and security; the humanitarian situation cannot continue.
“And I say once again to Israel, the world will not tolerate any more excuses on humanitarian assistance. Civilians in northern Gaza need food now.”
This echoes a statement Sir Keir made to the UN at the end of last month.
When asked if he would consider further suspensions of arms sales to Israel, Sir Keir said his position has not changed since the last decision – and the UK still supports Israel’s right to defend itself, “particularly in the face of the Iranian regime’s actions”.
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Sir Keir Starmer, Joe Biden, Olaf Scholz and Emmanuel Macron at the Chancellery in Berlin. Pic: Reuters
Also discussed at the meeting of “the quad” of Western leader was the situation in Ukraine, the prime minister said.
He said that – as “Ukraine enters a difficult winter” – Russia is getting weaker.
Sir Keir said “40%” of Moscow’s budget is being taken up by the conflict, and the nation last month suffered “the highest daily casualty rate so far”.
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Asked by Sky News about reports North Korean troops are being deployed into Russia to assist in the conflict against Ukraine, the UK leader said – were they true – it would be “an act of desperation” from the Putin regime.
Sir Keir said Western nations would continue to support Ukraine, adding that 95% of the equipment the UK promised to fast track to Kyiv in July is now there.
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He said that, alongside the G7, there is work to send “€50bn [£42bn]” to Ukraine from “the proceeds of frozen Russian assets”.
The prime minister was asked by journalists about domestic matters – including the budget later this month and the recent row of attending Taylor Swift shows – but said he would not pre-empt the former and ignored the query on the latter.