David Lammy Slams Israeli Minister’s Threat to Bring ‘Total Devastation’ to Palestinians in Gaza
London (Quds News Network)- UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz for threatening Palestinians in Gaza with “total devastation” in remarks widely seen as inciting genocide.
Katz said in a video message aimed towards residents of Gaza on Wednesday: “The first Sinwar destroyed Gaza, and the second Sinwar will bring its complete ruin.”
“Soon, the evacuation of the population from combat zones will resume, and what follows will be far more severe – you will pay the full price.”
“Return the hostages and remove Hamas – the alternative is total devastation.”
Katz’s remarks came amid fresh Israeli bombing of the Palestinian enclave after violating the ceasefire agreement and resuming the war.
Labour MP Stella Creasy asked the foreign secretary to be “clear, for avoidance of doubt, that we do not agree, that we condemn the words of Israel Katz, as they are not going to bring forward the ceasefire. They are not going to uphold international law if they are left unchallenged.”
Lammy responded: “I do condemn those words, and I would ask minister Katz who’s very experienced to withdraw them.”
He added, “In January I called the ceasefire deal a glimmer of light in the darkness. It feels like the darkness has returned.”
Lammy also confirmed that a British national was among those wounded when a UN compound in Gaza was hit Wednesday by the Israeli military, killing an international aid worker and injuring five others. He called for a “transparent investigation and for those responsible to be held to account.”
Since Tuesday morning, Israeli airstrikes have killed over 700 Palestinians and injured hundreds more. The Israeli attacks marked the collapse of a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal that had begun on January 19, 2025. The first phase ended on March 1, 2025, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused to proceed with the second phase.
Netanyahu, wanted by the International Criminal Court, sought to free more Israeli prisoners without fulfilling Israel’s commitments, including ending the war and withdrawing from Gaza. Hamas insisted on implementing the full agreement.
Since October 7, 2023, Israeli military operations, backed by the United States, have killed and wounded over 161,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children. More than 14,000 people remain missing under the rubble.
