UPDATE: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has just announced a critical humanitarian mission to address the catastrophic starvation crisis in Gaza. In a statement released on July 21, 2023, Starmer confirmed that the UK will airdrop essential aid and evacuate children for specialized medical treatment.
The Prime Minister is collaborating closely with Jordanian authorities to expedite the delivery of aid, underscoring the urgent need for immediate action to prevent further loss of life. Starmer condemned the ongoing situation, describing the mass starvation of Palestinians as “utterly horrifying” and “completely unjustifiable.”
According to UNICEF, the dire circumstances in Gaza have led to the deaths of at least 80 children due to severe malnutrition. The agency warns that without immediate access to humanitarian assistance, preventable deaths among children will surge dramatically.
Starmer emphasized the potential legal implications, stating that the starvation of civilians through blockades or denial of aid could constitute war crimes or even genocide. He referenced Article 6(c) of the Genocide Convention, which defines genocide as “deliberately inflicting on a group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part.”
Experts like Nimer Sultany argue that using starvation as a weapon against an occupied population provides strong evidence of intent to destroy a group, further complicating the legal landscape surrounding this crisis.
In tandem with these efforts, Starmer is also engaging with international allies to forge a pathway to peace, which he insists must include the formal recognition of a Palestinian state. This announcement follows closely behind French President Emmanuel Macron’s commitment to recognize Palestine, a declaration expected to be made at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly.
As the situation develops, the world watches closely. The UK’s commitment to providing aid marks a significant step, but the challenges ahead remain immense. What happens next will be critical, as international pressure mounts for a resolution to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Stay tuned for updates as this urgent situation unfolds.