The decision is wrong, the consequence will be more bloodshed

Starmer condemns Netanyahu's plans to occupy Gaza

- BY ASHLEY COWBURN and CHRIS HUGHES

KEIR Starmer yesterday condemned Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's plans to occupy Gaza City, warning: "It will only bring more bloodshed.

The Prime Minister denounced the major escalation in the conflict and urged the Israeli government to reconsider immediately.

It came as Netanyahu's war cabinet approved the decision to intensify its offensive in the 22-month-long conflict.

The move has provoked international condemnation, with Germany's chancellor Friedrich Merz yesterday halting arms exports to Israel that could be used in the Strip.

And it has prompted even bigger fears that the remaining 20 living hostages abducted by Hamas on October 7, 2023, are doomed.

In a statement yesterday, Starmer said: "The Israeli government's decision to further escalate its offensive in Gaza is wrong and we urge it to reconsider immediately.

"This action will do nothing to bring an end to this conflict or help secure the release of the hostages. It will only bring more bloodshed."