In a significant announcement on Friday, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared that the United Kingdom will airdrop humanitarian aid into Gaza and arrange for the medical evacuation of children to receive specialized care. This move comes as a direct response to the escalating humanitarian crisis and the severe malnutrition deaths reported in the region.

Starmer, expressing deep concern over the situation, stated that his government is coordinating with Jordan to expedite the transportation of aid. He vehemently criticized the ongoing starvation of Palestinian civilians, describing the situation as “utterly horrifying” and “completely unjustifiable.” [Watch the full announcement here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGHf2qwaAqE)

The urgency of the situation has been underscored by alarming statistics from UNICEF, which reveal that starvation has already claimed the lives of at least 80 children in Gaza. The agency has issued a stark warning that without swift intervention, the number of preventable child deaths will continue to increase dramatically. [Read UNICEF's statement here.](https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/statement-unicef-regional-director-middle-east-and-north-africa-edouard-beigbeder-3)

Legal experts are raising concerns that the denial of food and essential supplies could amount to war crimes or even genocide. According to the Rome Statute, imposing conditions that could lead to the physical destruction of a group, either in whole or in part, is a genocidal act. [View the Rome Statute here.](https://www.icc-cpi.int/sites/default/files/2024-05/Rome-Statute-eng.pdf) Academics argue that the intentional use of starvation against children and civilians in Gaza could potentially meet these criteria for genocide.

In his statement, Starmer also highlighted his commitment to working with global partners to foster peace and advocated for the recognition of a Palestinian state. This aligns with recent developments where French President Emmanuel Macron also announced France's upcoming recognition of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly. [Read Macron's statement here.](https://x.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1948482142356603089)

This bold step by the UK aims not only to provide immediate relief but also to press for a sustainable resolution to the conflict that respects the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people. [Read more about the UK's initiative on JURIST.](https://www.jurist.org/news/2025/07/uk-prime-minister-announces-humanitarian-relief-to-combat-catastrophic-starvation-in-gaza/)