Starmer calls on Netanyahu to stop attacks on Rafah

Benjamin Netanyahu’s offensive against Rafah must stop, said Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.

Palestinian medics said Israeli air strikes on Sunday killed at least 35 people and hit tents belonging to refugees who had fled to the southern Gaza city.

Sir Keir, who has come under pressure from within the Labour Party to take a tougher stance on Israel’s actions in Gaza, described the scenes as “appalling”.

When asked what he would say to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he were prime minister, the Labour leader replied: “Stop it.

“These scenes, these reports are horrifying, and what makes it worse is that this was a safe zone with women, children and families who had already fled several times.

“This is appalling. I have been demanding for a long time that the Rafah offensive should not take place.”

He added: “I was shocked by what I saw overnight. I think any person would be shocked by what they saw. This has to stop.”

Israel said the attack hit a Hamas facility and killed two senior fighters.

The agency said it was investigating reports that civilians had been harmed.

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his “outrage” at the Israeli attacks “in which many displaced people have lost their lives”.

“These operations must stop. There are no safe areas for Palestinian civilians in Rafah,” he said.

“I call for full respect for international law and an immediate ceasefire.”