Starmer expresses concern over humanitarian crisis in Gaza

On March 21, 2025, Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, communicated his deep concerns regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza during a phone call with King Abdullah II of Jordan. This conversation follows the recent escalation of violence in the ongoing conflict, with Israel resuming military operations that had previously been paused. Starmer highlighted the severe lack of humanitarian aid for the Palestinian population, approximately two million people, who are suffering due to the cut-off of vital resources such as food, fuel, and medical supplies. The renewed Israeli military actions come after a two-month ceasefire, which was recently disrupted when no agreement could be reached regarding the extension of the ceasefire. The talks reportedly included demands for the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for an extension, yet there was no provision for addressing the release of Palestinian prisoners. The situation is further compounded by the reports of increased casualties in Gaza, with over 600 people killed and hundreds more injured due to the renewed airstrikes and ongoing hostilities. A British doctor, Sakib Rokafiya, who has been treating the victims in Gaza's Nasser Hospital, shared harrowing accounts of the medical conditions faced, such as a critical shortage of antibiotics and supplies. Dr. Rokafiya recounted his experience of treating numerous casualties, with many victims being women and children, emphasizing the tragic consequence of the conflict on innocent civilians. His testimony sheds light on the dire state of medical facilities in the region, which are often overwhelmed by the aftermath of strikes and combat. The Israeli Defense Forces also launched countermeasures in response to rocket attacks reportedly initiated from Lebanon, affecting communities along the Israeli border. Despite these responses, public sentiment in Israel is marked by protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the ongoing hostage crisis, revealing growing frustration among the Israeli populace regarding the government's strategy in dealing with both the conflict with Hamas and broader regional security issues. As the humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorates further, leaders like Sir Keir Starmer are calling for immediate efforts to restore aid and provide necessary support to those caught in the conflict.