UK’s Lammy accuses Israel of causing a ‘man-made famine’ in Gaza through aid blockade
‘Deliberate famine’: UK’s Lammy condemns Israel over Gaza aid blockade
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has denounced Israel’s refusal to allow adequate humanitarian aid into Gaza, describing the crisis as a “man-made famine in the 21st century.”
Addressing the House of Commons on Monday, Lammy said Israel’s actions are severely damaging its global standing: “Israel’s reputation is diminishing in the eyes of young people across the world who look at this with horror.”
He called on Tel Aviv to “step back and recognise the reputational damage” being caused by its blockade, stressing that “they can’t understand it, and so I urge the Israeli government to just step back and recognise the damage they are doing collectively.”
Citing the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report, Lammy noted famine has already taken hold in Gaza City and other areas and is now “spreading across wider territory.”
He warned the crisis could spiral further, pointing out that since July 1 more than 300 people, including 119 children, have died from malnutrition.
Lammy added that the UN and aid agencies face major obstacles in delivering assistance, while Israel denies starvation and blames Hamas and aid groups instead.
The UK foreign secretary announced an additional $20 million in British funding for aid and medical support, insisting: “We need a massive humanitarian response to prevent more deaths.”
