LONDON

UK Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has announced that he will boycott the state banquet at Windsor Castle during US President Donald Trump's state visit to the UK in protest of his failure to end the war in Gaza.

They cannot overlook the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Davey said, describing his decision as a protest against Trump's failure to act to end the war.

In a post on the US social media company X, he wrote: "I'm boycotting the state banquet to send a message to both Donald Trump and Keir Starmer that they cannot close their eyes and wish away the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Donald Trump can stop this catastrophe in Gaza and get the hostages released."

He added: "I fear we could have a situation where Trump comes to our country, is honored with a lavish dinner at one of our finest palaces, yet no one reminds him that he has the power to stop the horrifying starvation, deaths and captivities in Gaza."

The state banquet is part of Trump’s official visit to the UK in mid-September.

Israel has killed nearly 63,000 Palestinians in Gaza since October 2023. The military campaign has devastated the enclave, which is facing famine.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.