2025-05-21T07:13:19Z

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The United Nations has raised an urgent alarm, indicating that the lives of thousands of infants in Gaza are at imminent risk of starvation if access to essential humanitarian aid is not restored swiftly. This dire warning comes as ITV News Senior International Editor John Irvine reports on the escalating crisis in the region.

In response to the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe, the United Kingdom has taken a significant step by suspending trade negotiations with Israel and imposing sanctions on West Bank settlers. This decision reflects a notable shift in the UK government’s position as it intensifies pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration for an immediate ceasefire and the facilitation of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

During a session in the House of Commons on Tuesday, Foreign Secretary David Lammy characterized Israel’s military actions as “monstrous” and condemned the behavior of “extremist” settlers in the West Bank. He stressed that Netanyahu’s government holds a moral responsibility to intervene and prevent further escalation of violence and suffering.

Lammy stated, “We have suspended negotiations with this Israeli government on a new free trade agreement,” further adding that the UK is actively reviewing its overall cooperation with the Israeli administration. He attributed this necessary action to the “unacceptable” conduct of the Netanyahu government.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also addressed the Commons, stating that the “level of suffering” experienced by the residents of Gaza is “utterly intolerable.” He expressed horror at the escalation of violence by Israeli forces, saying, “We’re horrified by the escalation from Israel.”

Starmer further underlined the UK’s position on the ongoing conflict, reiterating the need for a significant increase in humanitarian assistance to Gaza. He argued that Israel's recent decision to allow a limited amount of food into the territory is woefully inadequate, emphasizing that “this war has gone on for far too long.”

In a related diplomatic move, the Israeli Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Tzipi Hotovely, was summoned to the Foreign Office. Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer expressed the UK government’s disapproval of the “wholly disproportionate escalation of military activity in Gaza” and highlighted the cruel and indefensible nature of the nearly 11-week blockade on aid.

Despite the dire circumstances, Israel has recently permitted a small influx of food and medical supplies into the Gaza Strip, following a nearly three-month closure that severely restricted access to goods for the territory's 2 million residents. Humanitarian organizations have issued dire warnings about a looming famine if these restrictions continue.

On Monday, five trucks carrying essential supplies, including baby food, were allowed into Gaza. While this development was welcomed by the United Nations, officials cautioned that it represents merely a “drop in the ocean of what is urgently needed” to alleviate the burgeoning humanitarian crisis.

According to the UN, logistical delays caused by Israeli military procedures have prevented the distribution of much-needed aid, with officials warning that up to 14,000 babies could perish from malnutrition if the situation remains unchanged. Farhan Haq, the UN's deputy spokesperson for the Secretary-General, stressed the urgency of the situation, saying, “We need to have hundreds of trucks going in each day.”

Until recently, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has been the primary provider of humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the region. However, due to a controversial Israeli law enacted in January, the agency has been barred from operating in the Palestinian territories. Israel has accused UNRWA of being compromised by Hamas, claiming evidence that Hamas militants have infiltrated the agency. In response, Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of UNRWA, defended the agency’s operations, asserting that it has never received credible evidence to support Israel’s allegations.

In a defiant statement, Netanyahu announced on Monday that Israel would maintain control over all of Gaza, despite mounting international pressure urging the lifting of humanitarian aid blockades. Leaders from the UK, France, and Canada issued a joint condemnation of Israel's “egregious” military actions, calling for a halt to both military operations and restrictions on humanitarian aid.

Starmer, along with French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, emphasized the urgent need for unimpeded access to humanitarian assistance for Gaza’s residents. In response, Netanyahu criticized these international leaders’ recommendations, arguing that calls to end military operations could lead to further atrocities, stating, “By asking Israel to end a defensive war for our survival, we are inviting more such atrocities.”

The conflict has escalated significantly, with recent airstrikes resulting in the deaths of at least 60 individuals, according to Palestinian health officials. Strikes on residential areas, including a family home and a school-turned-shelter, killed many civilians, including women and children. The situation remains critical as the international community watches closely and calls for urgent action to prevent further loss of life.