Starmer responds to Israeli strikes in Gaza saying all sides need to uphold Trump peace plan
Shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel slams Hamas 'disgusting games' with remaining hostages
Sir Keir Starmer has said “all sides need to uphold President Trump’s peace plan” after he was asked about fresh Israeli strikes on Gaza at Prime Minister’s Questions.
The PM said the UK is in “close touch” with the US and regional allies, pushing for de-escalation after the resumption of military activity overnight.
The Israeli military said on Wednesday that the truce was back in effect after it hit “terror targets and terrorists” inside the enclave.
Hamas said in response that it would delay handing over the body of another hostage.
Asked about the strikes at PMQs on Wednesday, Sir Keir said: “I’m deeply concerned, Mr Speaker, by the strikes, and that underlines the fragility of the ceasefire deal.
“All sides need to uphold President Trump’s peace plan. It is the only route to long-term peace for Israelis and Palestinians.
“We are, of course, in close touch with the US and regional allies pushing for de-escalation.
“Mr Speaker, the scale of destruction in Gaza is unimaginable. The immediate priority remains getting aid in at the speed and the volume needed.”
Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer later said the Government is “working closely with our partners to do everything we can to support the transition from the ceasefire to phase two of the peace plan”.
Falconer stressed:”Hamas must urgently hand over the remaining bodies” of dead hostages in Gaza.
He added:”What I will say is that we have been absolutely clear on the threat Hamas poses to Palestinians, to Israelis and to the wider world.”
In an urgent question to the Commons, Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel said: “The situation in Gaza is fragile, we all want the ceasefire to hold and endure and for it to transition into a sustainable end to the conflict, but that requires the terms of the ceasefire being adhered to.”
Patel pressed the Government on what practical steps it is taking “to support the disarmament and elimination of Hamas and the terrorist infrastructure in Gaza”.
She accused Hamas of playing “disgusting games” as it failed to hand over the remaining bodies of hostages.
Responding, Falconer said the Government is tracking events in Gaza “incredibly carefully” and welcomed “what appears to be quite a significant up-rate of aid going in particular through Kerem Shalom”.
“We have been absolutely clear on the threat that Hamas poses to Palestinians, to Israelis, and to the wider world. That’s why they’re sanctioned as a terrorist organisation here,” he added.
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