US diplomat says UK would have lost WW2 with Starmer as leader

August 8, 2025

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has strongly criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer over his opposition to Israel's plan to take over Gaza City, suggesting Starmer would have lost World War II had he been Britain's leader then. Starmer had condemned Israel's decision to escalate its offensive in Gaza as "wrong" and urged reconsideration, stating it would only bring more bloodshed without helping to end the conflict or secure hostage releases. The controversial plan approved by Netanyahu's security cabinet focuses specifically on Gaza City and has faced opposition internationally, including from Germany which suspended arms exports to Israel, while the U.S. under President Trump has not condemned the move.

Who is affected

Palestinians living in Gaza City and throughout Gaza
Israeli hostages still being held by Hamas (50 total, with 20 believed alive)
Gaza civilians who have been killed (more than 61,000 according to the article)
Families of Israeli hostages
Israeli citizens affected by the ongoing conflict

What action is being taken

Israel is implementing a plan to take over Gaza City as approved by Netanyahu's security cabinet
UK Prime Minister Starmer is condemning Israel's escalation as "wrong" and urging immediate reconsideration
Germany is suspending the export of arms to Israel that could be used in Gaza
The United States is not condemning Israel's move, with President Trump stating it's "pretty much up to Israel"
The UN human rights chief is warning about the consequences of further escalation

Why it matters

The escalation could lead to "more massive forced displacement, more killing, more unbearable suffering" according to the UN human rights chief
It represents a significant intensification of the conflict in Gaza
The plan has created diplomatic tensions between Israel and some of its allies, including the UK and Germany
It impacts ongoing efforts to secure the release of remaining hostages
The decision highlights differing international approaches to the conflict, with some nations condemning the move while others, like the US, are not

What's next

President Trump will address the issue according to US Vice-President JD Vance
Israel aims to implement its five "principles" for ending the war, including disarming Hamas, returning all hostages, demilitarizing Gaza, establishing Israeli security control, and creating an alternative civilian administration

Read full article from source: BBC