Israel is “wrong” to approve plans to occupy Gaza City, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said, and urged it to reconsider the new offensive.

Mr Starmer’s intervention comes after Benjamin Netanyahu’s war Cabinet approved plans for a major escalation in the conflict.

The Israeli plan stops short of fully taking over all of Gaza, as had been touted ahead of the war Cabinet meeting.

But Mr Starmer insisted Israel should de-escalate, rather than launch the operation.

Mr 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 to help secure the release of the hostages. It will only bring more bloodshed.”

He added, “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.”

(PA Media/dpa/NAN)