Downing Street has dismissed David Lammy's assertion that Israel violated international law by restricting aid to Gaza, marking an unusual public criticism of the foreign secretary. On Tuesday morning, a spokesperson for the prime minister stated that Israel is "at risk" of breaching humanitarian law, contrasting with Lammy's earlier comments in the Commons that the country had already done so.
These comments came shortly after Israel launched airstrikes on Gaza, indicating a shift from Lammy's apparent change in the government's stance on this sensitive foreign policy issue. Keir Starmer's spokesperson reiterated that Israel's actions in Gaza are at risk of breaching international humanitarian law and urged Israel to adhere to its international obligations. They emphasized that it is the role of international courts to make legal judgments, not the government.
When questioned about whether Lammy had overstepped official policy, the spokesperson deferred to the Foreign Office, maintaining that there was no policy change. Regarding whether Lammy should apologize, they again referred to the Foreign Office.
This public reprimand came shortly after Lammy told the Commons that he believed Israel's actions violated international law, a crucial consideration for the UK's continued arms sales to Israel. Lammy later acknowledged in a Bloomberg interview that he "could have been clearer" in his statements.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has halted the entry of food, fuel, and medicine into Gaza to pressure Hamas during peace negotiations. Medical professionals in Gaza report that hospitals are struggling to treat those injured in the recent airstrikes.
Gaza's health ministry reports that over 400 people have died following the missile attacks, which ended a two-month ceasefire and struck various parts of Gaza. Lammy criticized the aid blockade, calling it a breach of international law and urging Israel to resume the previous level of aid deliveries to meet the humanitarian needs of Palestinians.
Despite an arrest warrant issued by the international criminal court last November, which could lead to Netanyahu's arrest if he visits the UK, the British government continues to sell certain weapons to Israel, including parts for F-35 jets. Starmer's support for Israel has previously caused discontent among Labour MPs, especially after a 2023 interview where he suggested that the Israeli prime minister had the right to cut off power and water to Gaza.