Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the UK will move ahead with plans to airdrop humanitarian aid into Gaza and evacuate critically ill children, in response to what Downing Street has described as an “appalling” humanitarian catastrophe.
During talks with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Starmer outlined Britain’s intention to partner with Jordan to deliver emergency aid and offer urgent medical support to children trapped in the conflict zone.
All three leaders reportedly agreed on the need to urgently broker a ceasefire and work towards a lasting peace and security framework in the region.
A Downing Street spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister set out how the UK will take forward plans with regional partners like Jordan to deliver aid by air and evacuate children needing medical treatment.”
“The three leaders discussed the dire situation in Gaza and agreed on the urgent need for Israel to lift restrictions on humanitarian assistance and ensure food and medical supplies reach those most in need.”
They added that the leaders would “work closely on a long-term solution” and that “robust planning” was necessary to turn a ceasefire into a pathway for lasting peace.
Mounting International Outrage Over Gaza Blockade
The move comes amid growing global condemnation of Israel’s blockade, which has significantly restricted aid deliveries to Gaza. Health officials in Gaza reported 43 starvation-related deaths over just three days this week—bringing the total to 111 since the conflict escalated.
According to Médecins Sans Frontières, malnutrition among children under five in Gaza City has tripled in the last fortnight. The Guardian reported that hospitals are overwhelmed with skeletal, starving children, while the UN’s aid agency (UNRWA) warned that even its frontline staff are collapsing from hunger.
Earlier this week, the UK joined 27 other countries in a joint statement condemning Israel’s actions for stripping Palestinians of “human dignity”. The statement demanded an immediate ceasefire, an end to the Gaza war, and full access for aid convoys.
Leaders also slammed Israel’s proposal to move 600,000 displaced Palestinians into a so-called “humanitarian zone” in Rafah—a city already devastated by Israeli airstrikes—as “completely unacceptable”.
Israel’s foreign ministry dismissed the joint criticism, claiming it was “disconnected from reality”. Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer told Sky News: “There is no famine in Gaza. There is a famine of the truth.”
Israeli Military and Gulf States Resume Airdrops Amid Crisis
On Saturday, the Israeli Defence Forces confirmed that humanitarian airdrops into Gaza would commence, alongside newly created corridors for UN aid convoys.
Israel also said it would allow “humanitarian pauses” in heavily populated areas to facilitate relief efforts.
Previously, Israel had agreed to allow Jordan and the UAE to carry out airdrops. However, experts note that aircraft deliveries are vastly less efficient and more costly than overland lorry convoys.
The UAE’s foreign minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, said on Saturday that the country would “immediately” resume aid drops, citing the “critical and unprecedented” level of humanitarian need.
“We will ensure essential aid reaches those most in need, whether through land, air or sea,” he posted on social media platform X.
UK Government Faces Pressure Over Palestinian State Recognition
Meanwhile, Starmer’s government is facing growing calls from within the Cabinet and across the Commons to move swiftly on recognising a Palestinian state.
Senior ministers, including Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, Health Secretary Wes Streeting, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, and Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn are reportedly urging Downing Street to take a leadership role alongside France in recognising Palestine.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy was challenged earlier this week by furious MPs from all parties, demanding greater UK involvement and formal recognition of Palestinian statehood.
Conservative MP Kit Malthouse criticised Lammy’s perceived inaction, referencing the “daily lynchings and expulsions” in the West Bank and the killing of civilians seeking aid.
“I’m just beyond words really at his inaction, and frankly, complicity by inaction,” said Malthouse, warning of the potential for UK officials to face scrutiny at the Hague if they fail to respond effectively.
