Key Facts
• September 9, 2025: UK ex-Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s letter revealed.
• UK government has not concluded Israel committed genocide in Gaza.
• Genocide requires ‘clear intent’ to destroy a group, per Lammy’s letter.
• Gaza civilians, including women and children, face severe suffering.
• Lammy urged Israel to take further measures to reduce civilian suffering.
• UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog on September 10.
• Lammy became Deputy Prime Minister after Angela Rayner’s resignation on September 5.
Summary
The UK government, through a letter from former Foreign Secretary David Lammy, clarified it has not concluded that Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute genocide, citing the need for ‘clear intent’ under the Genocide Convention. However, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with significant civilian casualties, has raised serious concerns. Lammy called on Israel to take additional steps to alleviate the suffering of civilians. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to discuss the situation with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on September 10. Lammy, who assumed the role of Deputy Prime Minister following Angela Rayner’s resignation, emphasized the UK’s cautious stance on the genocide designation while highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian measures.
