Tag: IDF

Starmer welcomes hostages release

The last 20 living hostages held by Hamas in Gaza are now back in Israel after spending more than two years in captivity.

The hostages were kidnapped by Hamas during the 7 October2023 attacks

Hamas says it will also hand over the remains of four dead hostages later today, but has told mediators it does not know the location of some of the other 24.

Israel has released almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners as part of President Donald Trump’s peace plan.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has welcomed the release of hostages in Gaza.

Starmer, who has travelled to the middle east, said: “I share the deep feeling of relief as hostages are released today.

“It is now crucial that we work together to implement President Trump’s peace plan for Gaza.”

‘Temporary humanitarian pause’ in Gaza: Lammy statement

The Foreign Secretary has issued a statement following yesterday’s announcement of a temporary humanitarian pause by the IDF in Gaza:

Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, said : “The humanitarian suffering in Gaza has 2reached new depths.

“The Prime Minister has already announced plans to work with Jordan to get aid into Gaza and to evacuate children who need critical medical assistance to the UK for treatment.

“Today’s announcement of a temporary pause by the IDF to allow humanitarian corridors to open and aid drops to resume is essential but long overdue. Access to aid must therefore be urgently accelerated over the coming hours and days.

“This announcement alone cannot alleviate the needs of those desperately suffering in Gaza. We need a ceasefire that can end the war, for hostages to be released and aid to enter Gaza by land unhindered.

“Whilst airdrops will help to alleviate the worst of the suffering, land routes serve as the only viable and sustainable means of providing aid into Gaza.

“These measures must be fully implemented and further barriers on aid removed. The world is watching.

“The UK supports the efforts of Qatar, Egypt and the US as mediators and urges all parties to resume talks on a pathway for lasting peace and security.”

But in the meantime, the UK continues to arm Israel … WHY ???