LONDON, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday urged Israel to reconsider its wrong escalation of the offensive in Gaza, warning of more bloodshed and dimmer prospects for peace.
In a statement issued by Downing Street, Starmer said the Israeli government's decision to further escalate its offensive in Gaza "will do nothing to bring an end to this conflict or to help secure the release of the hostages."
Highlighting the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Palestine's enclave of the Gaza Strip, the prime minister said, "Every day the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens, and hostages taken by Hamas are being held in appalling and inhuman conditions."
He called for making a surge in humanitarian aid, releasing all hostages held by Hamas and finding a negotiated political solution. He also reiterated that Hamas "can play no part in the future of Gaza and must leave as well as disarm."
The long-term plan is to secure peace in the region as part of a two-state solution, and ultimately achieve "a brighter future for Palestinians and Israelis," Starmer said.
He warned that without both sides engaging in good faith in negotiations, the prospect of the two-state solution is vanishing, leading to a path of destruction.
Israel's Security Cabinet has approved a plan to take over Gaza City, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement on Friday. ■
