UK Foreign Secretary Calls for Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza and End to Israeli Settlement Expansion

Strategic Insights -

The UK's Foreign Secretary has made a statement to Parliament on the Middle East, expressing horror at the recent violence in Syria and urging an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The Foreign Secretary criticized the Israeli government's actions, saying they are causing "untold damage to Israel's standing in the world and undermining Israel's long-term security." The statement highlighted the need for a sustainable ceasefire and an inclusive transition in Syria, as well as the UK's support for Palestinian workers' salaries and essential reforms.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Foreign Secretary expressed horror at the recent violence in Syria, including civilian deaths and clashes between government forces and Israeli strikes.
  • The UK is backing a sustainable ceasefire and an inclusive transition in Syria, and has supported an inclusive transition in the past.
  • The Foreign Secretary criticized the Israeli government's actions in Gaza, saying they are causing "untold damage to Israel's standing in the world and undermining Israel's long-term security."
  • The Israeli government's plan to drive Gaza's entire population into Rafah is considered a "cruel vision" that must never come to pass, and would be a violation of international humanitarian law.
  • The UK is providing an extra £40 million for humanitarian assistance in Gaza this year, including £7.5 million for UK-Med to sustain their vital operations in Gaza.
  • The Foreign Secretary highlighted the need for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the UK's support for Palestinian workers' salaries and essential reforms.
  • The UK is leading diplomatic efforts to show that there must be a viable peaceful pathway to a Palestinian state, involving the PA, not Hamas, in security and governance of the area.

Statistics:

  • 86% of Gaza has been driven out by the IDF, leaving around 2 million people trapped in an area of over 20 square miles
  • Almost 1000 civilians have been killed in Gaza since May
  • 400 distribution points in Gaza have been reduced to just 4 under the new Israeli aid system
  • The UK has provided almost 9 million pounds to UK-Med since it entered office
  • The UK has also provided £7 million to strengthen the PA and Palestinian governance, and £20 million to support UNRWA's many services for Palestinian refugees

Sources:

  • [Speech by UK Foreign Secretary to Parliament, 21 July 2025]
  • [Hansard, UK Parliament, 21 July 2025]
  • [The Guardian, UK, 21 July 2025]