Meeting Between Keir Starmer and Israeli President Marked by Tense Exchanges Over Gaza Aid

Published: 11 September 2025 | The English Chronicle Desk

A tense diplomatic encounter unfolded in London when British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog at Downing Street, as protests outside demanded Herzog’s arrest for alleged war crimes. The meeting, described by Herzog himself as “tough,” centred largely on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Israel’s recent actions in the region.

Immediately after the meeting, Herzog addressed the Chatham House thinktank, where he firmly denied that famine existed in Gaza, placing blame instead on Hamas for the high civilian death toll, accusing the group of hiding weapons among civilians. He proposed a fact-finding mission to assess aid levels but rejected any claims of genocide or systematic expulsion of Palestinians.

The discussions came against the backdrop of global criticism following Israel’s strike in Doha earlier this week, targeting Hamas leadership. Herzog offered no apology for the attack and instead accused Qatar of aligning itself with Hamas rather than mediating peace. Downing Street condemned the strike as “completely unacceptable,” with Starmer calling it a violation of sovereignty that undermines efforts toward peace.

During their talks, Starmer pressed Israel to allow greater humanitarian access to Gaza and to evacuate vulnerable groups such as children and potential students to the UK. He also emphasised that aid must be increased urgently to prevent worsening famine. While defending the decision to meet Herzog, Downing Street explained that the aim was to push Israel towards a more responsible humanitarian approach.

Herzog admitted that Israel’s food distribution system in Gaza had failed and was undergoing an overhaul. However, he dismissed as inaccurate claims that Israel intended to forcibly expel Palestinians, saying statements made by far-right cabinet members did not reflect government policy. On the contentious issue of Palestinian statehood, he warned that unilateral recognition would damage peace prospects and embolden Hamas.

In his speech, Herzog reiterated his rejection of a two-state solution, arguing that both sides were too traumatised for such a settlement, while also seeking to downplay plans for annexation of the West Bank. He insisted Israel remained a democracy committed to security while holding Hamas responsible for continued instability.

Outside Chatham House, hundreds of demonstrators braved the rain, chanting “lock him up” as Herzog’s convoy arrived. Protesters carried signs branding him a war criminal, demanding his arrest and criticising the UK government for granting him meetings. Many voiced frustration that British leaders continued to engage with Israel despite mounting allegations of rights abuses.

Herzog defended the Doha strike by insisting that the target, Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya, was obstructing negotiations for a ceasefire. While reports of al-Hayya’s death remain uncertain, Israeli officials confirmed that his son and senior aide were among six killed in the attack.

Following the meeting, No 10 released a statement reiterating the UK’s demand for Hamas to release all hostages taken nearly two years ago. Starmer also extended condolences for victims of a terror attack in Jerusalem earlier this week, reaffirming Britain’s opposition to terrorism and its support for Israel’s right to security, while maintaining calls for restraint.

The encounter highlighted the increasingly strained relations between London and Jerusalem, as the UK balances its commitment to Israel’s security with mounting pressure at home and abroad to take a harder stance on its Gaza policy.