Lammy speaks of ‘moral outrage’ after UN-backed committee declares Gaza famine

Foreign Secretary David Lammy has described claims by a UN-backed organisation of a famine in Gaza City as “utterly horrifying” as he accused the Israeli government of causing a “man-made catastrophe”.

Responding to the declaration by the Famine Review Committee, DLammy said: “The confirmation of famine in Gaza City and the surrounding neighbourhood is utterly horrifying and is wholly preventable.

“The Israeli government’s refusal to allow sufficient aid into Gaza has caused this man-made catastrophe. This is a moral outrage.

“The IPC (Integrated Food Security Phase Classification) report makes clear the sickening consequences, especially for children. The government of Israel can and must immediately act to stop the situation deteriorating any further. It must immediately and sustainably allow unhindered food, medical supplies, fuel, and all types of aid to reach those who so desperately need them.”

Israel immediately rejected the Famine Review Committee findings with a Foreign Ministry spokesperson saying the assessment was “a tailor-made fabricated report to fit Hamas’s fake campaign.”

The UK’s foreign secretary also repeated calls for “an immediate ceasefire, so as not to endanger the lives of the hostages held by Hamas, and  enable aid delivery at maximum speed and at the scale required”, including a halt to military operations in Gaza City.

He added: “The UK reiterates its condemnation of this military action, which will only worsen the already catastrophic humanitarian situation and endanger the lives of the hostages held by Hamas. We urge the Israeli government to change course and halt its plans.

“This terrible conflict must end. An immediate and permanent ceasefire is the only way to stop the suffering, secure the release of the hostages, achieve a surge in aid and deliver a framework for lasting peace.”