POLITICIANS across the UK have reacted to the news that Israel's security council has approved a plan to take over Gaza City.
Israel has already killed tens of thousands of Palestinians through genocidal tactics, destroyed much of Gaza and pushed the country of some two million Palestinians toward famine, in what a recent report described as "orchestrated killings".
Ahead of the security cabinet meeting, which began on Thursday and ran through the night, Netanyahu said Israel planned to retake control over the entire territory and eventually hand it off to friendly Arab forces opposed to Hamas.
On Twitter/X, First Minister of Scotland John Swinney wrote: "The decision of the Israeli government to seize control of Gaza City is completely and utterly unacceptable. It will create even more human suffering for the Palestinian people and further escalate the conflict.
"The international community must stop Israel and secure a ceasefire."
The decision of the Israeli Government to seize control of Gaza City is completely and utterly unacceptable. It will create even more human suffering for the Palestinian people and further escalate the conflict. The international community must stop Israel and secure a ceasefire.
— John Swinney (@JohnSwinney) August 8, 2025
Keir Starmer said the Israeli government’s decision to “further escalate its offensive” in Gaza will “only bring more bloodshed”.
In a statement, the Prime Minister 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 to help secure the release of the hostages. It will only bring more bloodshed.
“Every day the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens and hostages taken by Hamas are being held in appalling and inhuman conditions.
“What we need is a ceasefire, a surge in humanitarian aid, the release of all hostages by Hamas and a negotiated solution.
“Hamas can play no part in the future of Gaza and must leave as well as disarm.
“Together with our allies, we are working on a long-term plan to secure peace in the region as part of a two-state solution, and ultimately achieve a brighter future for Palestinians and Israelis.
“But without both sides engaging in good faith in negotiations, that prospect is vanishing before our eyes.
“Our message is clear: a diplomatic solution is possible, but both parties must step away from the path of destruction.”
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey urged the UK Government to block all arms exports to Israel and sanction Netanyahu, saying it is becoming “increasingly clear that his goal is ethnic cleansing” in Gaza.
“Netanyahu’s plans to occupy the whole of Gaza are utterly abhorrent,” he said.
“Rather than sitting on its hands and issuing strongly worded statements, the UK Government needs to take decisive action. Keir Starmer needs to stop the export of all UK arms to Israel – today – and sanction Netanyahu and his cabinet.”
