LONDON 

Expressing outrage at Israel’s refusal to allow sufficient aid into Gaza, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy described the crisis as a deliberate famine, saying: "It's a man-made famine in the 21st century."

Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday, Lammy warned that Israel’s reputation due to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is "diminishing in the eyes of young people across the globe who look at this with horror."

Lammy urged the Israeli government "to step back and recognize the reputational damage caused by its actions."

"They can't understand it, and so I urge the Israeli government to just step back and recognize the damage that they are doing to their reputations, collectively," he said.

Lammy referenced the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report, which found famine in Gaza City, saying it is now "spreading across wider territory."

He warned that, if unchecked, the crisis will "spiral," noting that since July 1, over 300 people—including 119 children—have died of malnutrition.

"The UN and aid organizations have reported significant impediments and obstructions in being able to collect and distribute aid in Gaza. Israel has repeatedly denied that starvation is taking place in Gaza and has said that where there is hunger, it is the fault of aid agencies and Hamas," Lammy said.

Confirming an additional £15 million ($20 million) in UK funding for aid and medical care, he said: "We need a massive, massive humanitarian response to prevent more deaths."

'My job to make sure we are not complicit'

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn pressed Lammy to give clearer answers on the UK’s arms sales to Israel.

Now sitting as an independent MP and leading a newly launched left-wing party, Corbyn asked whether Britain is still providing components for F-35 fighter jets used by Israel in strikes on Gaza, and whether intelligence gathered by RAF surveillance flights over the territory is being shared with the Israeli military.

He warned that supplying arms to a country accused of war crimes, including genocide, risks making the UK complicit.

Lammy replied: “It is absolutely my job to make sure we are not complicit. That's why we are not selling arms that could be used in Gaza. That's why we are not selling direct F35 kit to Israel.”

On the RAF flights, Lammy said the “only reason” for them is to “support hostage release.”

He added that there can be no role for Hamas, hostages must be released, Gaza needs to be demilitarized, and Labour is working with partners to outline a new governance arrangement for the territory.

He said the government is engaging with the Palestinian Authority on possible reforms, insisting it must have a role going forward.

On aid, Lammy said he did not believe new mechanisms were needed, arguing instead for support of existing UN systems.

Lammy added that unless there is a “breakthrough” on a ceasefire, the UK “will move to full recognition” of a Palestinian state at the next UN General Assembly, as previously said.