UK Prime Minister Criticizes Israeli Actions in West Bank at UN

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, speaking at the UN General Assembly, strongly condemned Israel's actions in the West Bank and Gaza, while reaffirming the UK's support for Israel against threats from Iran and Hamas. Starmer stated that while the UK "condemned the events of October 7th in the strongest possible terms" and "continue to condemn Hamas and stand with Israel against the ongoing threats, including from Iran," these threats do not justify Israel's conduct.

He specifically criticized Israel's settlement expansion plans in the E1 area, warning that the construction "threatens to make the establishment of a viable Palestinian state impossible." Starmer also defended his government's decision to ban trade with products originating from West Bank settlements, a move taken in response to the E1 construction plans. He argued that failing to back words with actions regarding the two-state solution would erode trust and be exploited by adversaries.

"We do not stand by while terrible suffering mounts and the vision of a two-state solution is dealt a severe blow," Starmer declared, expressing the UK's desire for an end to the conflict and for Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security. He emphasized that the UK would "do everything in our power to keep that hope alive."