London, July 8, 2025 – British Foreign Minister David Lammy emphasized the urgency of a Gaza ceasefire, warning that the UK may escalate measures against Israel if the conflict persists, while US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continue discussions to broker a temporary truce.
British Foreign Minister David Lammy addressed a parliamentary committee on Tuesday, underscoring the critical need for a ceasefire in Gaza. “We have to get the ceasefire,” Lammy stated firmly, adding that the UK would take further action against Israel if the situation does not improve. “Yes. Yes, we will,” he responded when pressed on potential additional measures, signaling London’s growing concern over the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Meanwhile, in Washington, US President Donald Trump announced he would meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu again this evening to discuss Gaza, following extensive talks on Monday. The leaders are focused on advancing a US-brokered ceasefire deal amid ongoing indirect negotiations between Israeli officials and Hamas. “It’s a tragedy, and he (Netanyahu) wants to get it solved, and I want to get it solved, and I think the other side wants to,” Trump told reporters during a cabinet meeting, expressing optimism about resolving the conflict.
Netanyahu, who spent much of Tuesday at the US Capitol, met with House Speaker Mike Johnson and reiterated Israel’s objectives in Gaza. “We have still to finish the job in Gaza, release all our hostages, eliminate and destroy Hamas’ military and government capabilities,” he told reporters. Despite acknowledging that Israel’s campaign is not yet complete, Netanyahu noted that negotiators are “certainly working” toward a ceasefire agreement.
Adding to the momentum, Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff expressed hope for a breakthrough by the end of the week. “We are hopeful that by the end of this week, we’ll have an agreement that will bring us into a 60-day ceasefire. Ten live hostages will be released. Nine deceased will be released,” Witkoff told reporters at a cabinet meeting. The proposed deal aims to pause hostilities and facilitate hostage releases, though significant hurdles remain, including Hamas’ demand for a permanent end to the conflict.
Trump also voiced strong support for Netanyahu, even commenting on the Israeli leader’s domestic challenges by criticizing prosecutors in Netanyahu’s ongoing corruption trial, which involves charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust—allegations Netanyahu denies. The US president’s remarks highlight the close alignment between the two leaders as they navigate complex diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.
The Gaza conflict, which intensified after Hamas’ October 2023 attack on Israel, has drawn international scrutiny due to its devastating toll. The UK’s warning and the US-led ceasefire push reflect mounting global pressure to halt the violence and address the humanitarian crisis. As negotiations continue in Qatar and Washington, the coming days could prove pivotal in determining whether a temporary truce can pave the way for lasting peace.
