The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas was ignited by a cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths in Israel and the abduction of 251 individuals.

This escalation came after Israel broke a two-month ceasefire in Gaza, marking some of the deadliest strikes since the war began.

In the last week alone, health authorities in Gaza reported nearly 700 deaths, predominantly among women and children, bringing the total Palestinian death toll to over 50,000 since the conflict's onset.

UK health secretary Wes Streeting condemned the recent Israeli attacks, asserting that they cannot be justified as self-defense and must come to an end.

Following this, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the resumption of military action on March 18, declaring that the attacks were 'only the beginning' and leading to over 400 Palestinian deaths on that day.

Streeting expressed feelings of powerlessness despite the Labour government's diplomatic efforts to end the violence since taking power in July 2023.

He described the situation as soul-destroying, emphasizing the ongoing threat to Palestinian communities, particularly in areas like Susya in the West Bank.

Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy noted the 'appalling loss of life' following the ceasefire collapse, labeling the day as potentially the deadliest for Palestinians in the current conflict.

Lammy also highlighted the incompatibility of Israel's denial of humanitarian aid to Gaza civilians with international humanitarian law, without directly accusing Israel of breaching these laws.