Keir Starmer condemns strike on Qatar as 'flagrant violation' in meeting with Israel's President

Keir Starmer has condemned “Israel’s action” in bombing Hamas leaders in Qatar as “completely unacceptable” during a meeting with the Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

Speaking after the talks, a Downing Street spokesperson described the bombing as a "flagrant violation”, and also called out the “manmade famine” in Gaza. The meeting had already sparked outrage before the Israeli military targeted top Hamas figures in Doha on Tuesday as they gathered to discuss a US proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Speaking afterwards, a Downing Street spokesperson said: “He condemned Israel ’s action in Doha yesterday as completely unacceptable. He said the strikes were a flagrant violation of a key partner’s sovereignty and do nothing to secure the peace we all desperately want to see.

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“Turning to Gaza, he reiterated his huge concern and implored Israel to change course. They must stop the manmade famine from worsening further by letting aid in and halting their offensive operations, he added. The leaders agreed that the hostages who were cruelly ripped by Hamas from their families nearly two years ago must be released.”

At Prime Minister’s Questions, the PM had claimed the strikes “violate Qatar’s sovereignty” and “do nothing” to secure peace. He said: “I condemn the strikes that Israel carried out in Doha yesterday.

“They violate Qatar’s sovereignty; they do nothing to secure the peace that the UK and so many of our allies are committed to. I spoke to the Emir of Qatar last night, soon after the attack, to convey our support and solidarity.

“He was crystal clear that, notwithstanding the attacks, he will continue to work on a diplomatic solution to achieve a ceasefire and a two-state outcome.”

Following a backlash, Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer appeared to brush off the idea the Government had rolled out the “red carpet” for the Israeli president.

Responding to a question from Plaid Cymru Westminster leader Liz Saville-Roberts, he said: “President Herzog is in the UK on a private visit, so I wouldn’t characterise the visit as one in which the red carpet is rolled out.

“And I would just reiterate, this House, rightly, so many colleagues behind me but I’m sure in front of me as well, are so conscious of the urgency of helping people out of Gaza, ensuring that aid gets in and ensuring that there is a ceasefire."

After the meeting, Mr Herzog said: “It was a meeting between allies, but it was a tough meeting.

“Things were said that were tough and strong and clearly we can argue, because when allies meet they can argue. We are both democracies, we both understand the threat from the jihadists.”

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