London, July 28, 2025 — The United Kingdom’s Foreign Minister David Lammy on Monday expressed deep concern over Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, saying that the short daily humanitarian pauses announced by Israel are “not nearly enough” to relieve the suffering of civilians.

In a strongly worded statement, Lammy said:

“This announcement alone cannot alleviate the needs of those desperately suffering in Gaza. We need a ceasefire that can end the war, for hostages to be released and aid to enter Gaza by land unhindered.”

His remarks follow the Israeli government’s recent declaration that it would observe brief daily ceasefire windows in selected areas to allow limited humanitarian relief and civilian movement.

UK joins global voices demanding end to hostilities

Lammy’s comments reflect the growing frustration among Western allies, including France and Spain, over what they view as Israel’s insufficient response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has now entered its tenth month.

• More than 38,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have reportedly been killed since the conflict reignited in October 2024.

• The Israeli blockade of aid and fuel convoys into the Gaza Strip has sparked global outrage, with UN agencies warning of famine-like conditions in several districts.

The UK Foreign Office has previously maintained a balanced stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict, calling for a two-state solution. However, Lammy’s latest statement marks a clear escalation in tone, indicating that the British government may soon push for stronger action at international forums.

Ceasefire, hostages, and aid access – UK’s three-fold demand

In his appeal, Lammy outlined three key demands:

1. A comprehensive ceasefire to stop the bloodshed and create room for diplomacy.

2. The immediate and unconditional release of hostages held by Hamas.

3. Uninterrupted land-based access for humanitarian aid, bypassing bureaucratic delays and arbitrary inspection points.

This statement also aligns the UK more closely with EU partners like Ireland, Belgium, and France, who have been increasingly vocal in condemning Israel’s tactics, especially in urban warfare zones like Rafah and Khan Yunis.

Israel defends pause policy; Gaza toll rises

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) claim that the daily humanitarian pauses, which last for a few hours in designated corridors, are designed to allow aid delivery and civilian evacuation.

However, humanitarian groups on the ground say the measures are largely symbolic. According to Doctors Without Borders and UNRWA, many convoys are still unable to pass due to active conflict zones and poor coordination.

“A ceasefire is the only thing that can stop the killing. Pauses help no one when bombs fall just before and after,” said a UN field worker.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that several aid trucks remain stuck at the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings, either due to military restrictions or lack of security guarantees from both sides.

UK Parliament pressure mounts on Israel policy

Lammy’s remarks also come amid mounting pressure from UK lawmakers across party lines, with many MPs demanding the government take a firmer stance on Israel.

• Last week, more than 70 MPs from Labour, Lib Dems, SNP, and Greens signed a letter calling for an immediate arms embargo on Israel until it complies with international humanitarian law.

• Pro-Palestinian protests continue across major UK cities, including London, Manchester, and Glasgow, with demonstrators urging the UK to recognise Palestinian statehood and halt all military exports to Israel.

International response and UN diplomacy

The United Nations Security Council, where the UK holds a permanent seat, is expected to hold an emergency session on the Gaza crisis on August 2, 2025.

France and Brazil have already indicated support for a new ceasefire resolution, and UK diplomats have confirmed that London will actively participate in drafting the language of any new proposal.

“The UK cannot remain silent when human suffering reaches these levels,” a senior UK diplomat said.

Conclusion: A pivot in UK foreign policy?

The comments by David Lammy may signal a subtle but significant shift in Britain’s Middle East policy, especially as the 2025 UN General Assembly looms and global sentiment shifts towards recognising Palestinian sovereignty and ending the war.

As Gaza's humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, the world is watching whether words will be matched with diplomatic and political action — both in London and Tel Aviv.

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