In a striking shift in tone, both Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed open frustration with Israel's ongoing military offensive in Gaza, signalling a significant change in the UK’s diplomatic posture.

Addressing Parliament, Starmer described the humanitarian crisis in Gaza—particularly the toll on children—as "intolerable." He criticised Israel’s minimal aid concessions as “utterly inadequate” and said he was “horrified” by the decision to escalate military operations.

Lammy, echoing Starmer's outrage, labelled the Gaza situation “abominable.” He condemned remarks by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich—who suggested Gaza should be cleansed of civilians—as “monstrous,” and warned that Israel was isolating itself internationally and damaging its global image.

The UK’s hardening stance comes amid growing global condemnation. The European Union is reassessing its 25-year-old political and economic agreement with Israel, with EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas noting a “strong majority” of support among member states for a review.

Britain has joined France and Canada in issuing a sternly worded joint statement criticising Israel’s actions and warning of potential further measures if the humanitarian situation fails to improve. The UK also co-signed a statement with 26 other donor nations opposing Israel's new aid delivery framework in Gaza.

The controversial model, which would sideline traditional humanitarian agencies like the UN in favour of civilian contractors overseen by the Israeli military, has been widely denounced. Aid groups argue the plan is unworkable and politically motivated, lacking evidence to support claims that Hamas is diverting aid.

One aid worker described the initiative—dubbed the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation—as “totally premature,” while a Western diplomat quoted in Haaretz called it “a crazy plan and absolute madness.”

In a heated Commons debate, Lammy sparred with Conservative MP Dame Priti Patel, who implied that criticism of Israel emboldens Hamas. Lammy countered that such rhetoric fails to acknowledge the dire reality on the ground.

Some MPs pushed for more decisive action, urging the UK to formally recognise a Palestinian state. The government has so far resisted, citing the move's symbolic nature. However, with France reportedly considering recognition at an upcoming conference co-hosted with Saudi Arabia, pressure is mounting on Britain to follow suit.

Meanwhile, concern continues to grow over Israel’s latest military campaign, dubbed “Gideon’s Chariots,” which threatens to intensify the suffering of Gaza’s two million civilians, many already facing the risk of starvation.

Even traditional allies are voicing disapproval. During a recent regional tour, former US President Donald Trump noted the worsening crisis, stating plainly, “a lot of people are starving.”

At a World Jewish Congress event in Jerusalem, Ronald Lauder publicly criticised Israel’s leadership, questioning why Prime Minister Netanyahu allows inflammatory statements from officials like Smotrich to go unchecked. Netanyahu's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar offered only a terse reply: “Duly noted.”

As the humanitarian crisis deepens and diplomatic backlash grows, Israel finds itself increasingly isolated—even among its closest friends.