PM says loss of life of Hamas chief needs to be ‘step in direction of’ Gaza ceasefire

Sir Keir Starmer today told Israel the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar should be ‘a step towards’ a ceasefire in the Middle East.

The PM piled pressure on his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu by warning the world would not tolerate ‘any more excuses’ over humanitarian aid for Gaza.

He added there would be ‘no military-only solution’ to the regional crisis following his talks with the leaders of the US, France and Germany.

Sir Keir spoke at a press conference in Berlin following a so-called ‘Quad’ meeting of the four leaders this afternoon.

Their discussions in the German capital took place after Israel yesterday announced its military had killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.

Sir Keir reiterated that ‘no-one should mourn’ the death of the terror group’s chief, who had ‘the blood of Israelis’ on his hands after the Hamas terror attacks on 7 October last year.

The PM also said Sinwar had on his hands ‘the blood of the Palestinian people who suffered in the chaos and violence that he sought and celebrated’.

He added that he, US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz would ‘keep working together to de-escalate across the region, because we know there is no military-only solution’.

Sir Keir was later asked if he would follow the US in considering further suspensions of arms sales to Israel if the humanitarian situation in Gaza does not improve.

It also came after more than 100 Muslim Labour councillors wrote to the PM to demand an ‘immediate and complete’ halt of UK arms sales to Israel.

Sir Keir said Britain’s position ‘has not changed’, adding: ‘We strongly support Israel’s right to self-defence, particularly in the face of the Iranian regime’s actions.

‘But I do think the death of Sinwar provides an opportunity for a step towards that ceasefire that we have long called for.’ 

The PM issued a warning to both Israel and Hamas that, as well as a ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, there should be ‘immediate access for humanitarian aid’ in Gaza.

‘The dire humanitarian situation cannot continue,’ Sir Keir said.

‘And I say once again to Israel, the world will not tolerate any more excuses on humanitarian assistance.

‘Civilians in northern Gaza need food, now. The UK strongly supports UNRWA in the vital work it does in Gaza, across the OPTs (Occupied Palestinian Territories) and the region.

‘UNRWA must be allowed to continue its life saving support. The suffering must end, including in Lebanon, where we need a ceasefire to implement a political plan based on UN resolution 1701.’

Tel Aviv said Sinwar was killed on Wednesday in Gaza, with Israeli leaders presenting his death as a turning point in the country’s campaign against Hamas.

According to Palestinian officials, the death toll in Gaza has now passed 42,000 during the year-long conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Thousands of people are also estimated to have died in Lebanon after Israel extended its offensive to its northern neighbour.

Mr Biden said Sinwar’s killing was a ‘good day for Israel, for the United States, and for the world’.

Officials in Washington expressed muted optimism that his death may remove a key obstacle in ceasefire talks that have failed to produce a breakthrough.

But Mr Netanyahu said his country will keep fighting until all Israeli hostages are free, and that it will keep control over Gaza long enough to ensure Hamas does not rearm.

In his speech about Sinwar’s death, the Israeli PM said: ‘Our war is not yet ended.’