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Here’s where things stand on Monday 21 July 2025:
- The UK and 24 nations condemn the “horrifying” killing of hundreds of Gazans trying to get food from Israel’s aid operations
- “Suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths,” a joint statement calling for an end to the war in Gaza and release of Israeli hostages says. Israel rejects it as “disconnected from reality”
- The statement is notable for its candour, reflecting both western frustration and political pressure, our diplomatic correspondent writes
- UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy calls Israel’s aid operation “inhumane” and announces an extra £40m worth for humanitarian assistance in Gaza this year
- Early on Monday, Israeli tanks launched their first ground assault on Deir al-Balah, in central Gaza
- “I’m only asking for a piece of bread… that’s all,” a 17-year-old boy at al-Shifa hospital tells the BBC, as food security body the IPC warns more than 1.5 million Gazans are at risk of severe malnutrition or starvation
Is the government doing all it can? – Lib Dems
Liberal Democrat MP for Bicester and Woodstock, Calum Miller, agrees that the situation in Gaza is “inhumane and grotesque”, and welcomes the aid allocations that Lammy has just announced.
But the problem, he says, “is that repeated expressions of regret by this government have not prevented further carnage being wrought by the Netanyahu government”.
He then asks Lammy: “Does the foreign secretary truly believe that his government is doing all it can to put an end to terrible violence and starvation” in Gaza, adding that it is in “clear contravention” of international law.
“Can he dispel the widespread view that he is not setting the policy he would choose but he is instead being reined in by Number 10’s desire not to upset President Trump by acting more boldly?”
Lammy responds by saying that the government has led much of the multi-lateral effort.
“We will continue to press and continue to look at what further we may need to do,” he says.
“What is required now is painstaking diplomacy to get to that ceasefire,” he says.
UN and its system best placed to deliver aid – Lammy
In response to Patel, Lammy says the humanitarian aid situation in Gaza “has got steadily worse”.
“We believe the UN and its system are best placed to deliver aid to Gaza,” Lammy says.
Lammy says the UK government will participate in the two-state conference that has been organised by France.
“That conference is dedicated to looking closely at the governance arrangements that you have to put in place,” he says.
“When Hamas leave – and they must go and they cannot govern Gaza – how do we ensure this is not a 60-day pause but we bring an end to this and we move to a two-state solution?”
What has the government discussed with Israel on aid? – Patel
Responding to Lammy’s statement, shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel says the Conservatives also want to see an end to the conflict in Gaza, as well as the return of hostages and humanitarian support which is “desperately needed” getting into the Strip.
She asks where Britain’s voice is when it comes to putting new pressure on Hamas to agree to the most recent US proposals to secure a ceasefire.
Patel asks Lammy to confirm what an “unconditional ceasefire” means for Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.
On aid, Patel says the situation “has deteriorated beyond all rational comprehension”.
“Daily reports of casualties seeking aid are appalling and we utterly condemn these attacks,” she says.
“But our words and political statements of condemnation are not saving lives,” she adds, and asks Lammy what practical solutions, proposals and options the government has discussed with the Israeli government on aid supplies into the Strip.
‘Hamas can have no role in the governance of Gaza’ – Lammy
Lammy also confirms enhanced support of around £7m to strengthen the Palestinian Authority and Palestinian governments, and it’s delivering the reform plans which Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has set out.
Lammy sets out that £20m will go to services supporting Palestinian refugees.
“Hamas can have no role in the governance of Gaza,” Lammy adds.
Lammy says the UK is co-leading on a “two-state solution conference” and pushing to agree plans for credible next phase in Gaza to turn any temporary ceasefire into lasting peace.
UK to give £40m of humanitarian assistance to Gaza
Lammy now announces an extra £40m of humanitarian assistance to Gaza this year.
This will include £7.5m for humanitarian medical aid charity UK-Med to sustain their “vital operations” in Gaza and save more lives, he adds.
Lammy: The next ceasefire must be the last ceasefire
Lammy reiterates news from earlier that he joined dozens of other foreign ministers as signatories to a joint statement, calling for an end to the war with a “simple message”.
“The war in Gaza must end now,” he says adding that “there is no military solution”.
“The next ceasefire must be the last ceasefire.”
Lammy then thanks the US, Qatar and Egypt for diplomatic efforts.
Driving Gaza’s population to Rafah is ‘a cruel vision’ – Lammy
Lammy says that Israel’s defence minister Israel Katz proposes “driving Gaza’s entire population into Rafah” and “imprisoning Palestinians unless persuaded to emigrate”.
“This is a cruel vision that must never come to pass,” he says, adding that he condemns it unequivocally.
Lammy says Israel’s offensive puts hostages in ‘grave danger’published at 19:1219:12
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “should listen to the Israeli people – 82% of whom desperately want a ceasefire”, Lammy says.
He adds that Netanyahu should also listen to the hostage families.
“Those hostages may be hidden in cramped tunnels under the ruins of Gaza but we will not forget them, or Hamas’s despicable actions, and we will continue to demand their unconditional release,” Lammy continues.
“This offensive puts them in grave danger, but still Netanyahu persists.”
Israel must answer what justifies killing ‘desperate starving children’ – Lammy
Lammy adds: “The Israeli government must answer what possible military justification can there be for strikes that have killed desperate starving children.”
He then asks what immediate actions Israel is taking to stop “this litany of horrors” and what they will do to hold those responsible to account.
Lammy says he supports Israel’s security and right to exist but believes its actions are “doing untold damage to Israel’s standing in the world and undermining its long-term security”.
‘I utterly condemn the killing of civilians’published at 19:1019:10
Lammy tells MPs there are “daily reports” of Israeli troops opening fire on people waiting to access food in Gaza.
Strikes have hit women and children waiting for a health clinic to open, and an Israeli drone has struck down children filling water containers, he says, adding that Israeli officials have “blamed this on a technical error”.
“Hamas is contributing and taking advantage of it,” Lammy adds.
“I utterly condemn the killing of civilians seeking to meet their basic needs.”