ISLAMABAD: Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer has sharply criticized Israel’s blockade of Gaza, calling out the occupying power of creating a “man-made famine” on Wednesday, during a tense meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in London.

The rare public rebuke by a Western leader towards Israel is part of rising concerns over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where more than 500 people have died due to starvation alone. Israel siege of the enclave has killed more than 64,000 people, including 18,000 children, since October 2023, as per Gaza’s health ministry.

A Downing Street spokesperson said that Starmer urged Israel to stop its offensive in the occupied territory and allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza to prevent the situation from worsening.

Protests in the UK during Israel President’s visit

Herzog’s visit to the U.K. led to widespread protests across the country. Thousands protested outside the Downing Street for two consecutive days. Demonstrations also took place at Chatham House, where the Israeli President spoke. People banged pots and pans, accusing Israel of genocide.

The Israeli president’s visit to the U.K. comes on the heels of Israeli airstrikes on Doha, Qatar, a British ally. Israel claimed it was targeting Hamas leadership attending ceasefire talks in the Gulf country.

Several countries condemned the attack, with the Qatari Prime Minister calling Israel move an act of “state terrorism.” Israel also targeted the Houthis in Yemen on Wednesday.

The British PM condemned the strike as “unacceptable” and a “flagrant violation” of Qatar’s sovereignty. Despite this, the British premier did not shy away from endorsing the U.K.’s longstanding relationship with Israel.

Cracks forming

Starmer’s meeting with Herzog did reveal deep disagreements on key issues, including the U.K.’s intention to recognize a Palestinian state unless Israel meets certain conditions—agreeing to a ceasefire and allowing aid access.

The Israeli President described the talks as “tough” but respectful, saying he welcomed the opportunity for open debate between two democratic allies.

Starmer meets Palestinian Authority president

Earlier in the week, Starmer also met Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, agreeing there must be “absolutely no role” for Hamas in any future Palestinian government.

The U.K. has been under pressure domestically to adopt a tougher stance on Israel’s war crimes in Gaza, while Starmer has insisted that diplomacy remains essential to securing a ceasefire and securing the release of hostages held by Hamas.

Starmer’s decision to meet Israeli President amid worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza was sharply criticized within the U.K. Scottish National Party leader Stephen Flynn blasted the British PM for hosting Herzog while children starved in Gaza.

Herzog: A controversial figure

While the role of a president is mostly ceremonial in Israel, Isaac Herzog is a controversial leader in his own right. He blamed Gaza’s entire population for the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. He also personally signed artillery shells fired at Gaza.

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UK PM condemns Gaza blockade in tense meeting with Israeli President