'The most devastating images': Home secretary reacts to ITV News' aerial footage of Gaza
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has described newly released aerial images of Gaza as 'devastating,' saying they underscore the urgent need for a ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and a comprehensive plan to address the deepening crisis in the Middle East.
Her comments come after ITV News aired the first independent aerial footage from over Gaza in months, showing the sheer scale of destruction caused by nearly two years of war.
Filmed by International Editor Emma Murphy on board a plane delivering aid, the footage captures vast swathes of Gaza reduced to dust, entire neighbourhoods flattened and turned to rubble.
Speaking to ITV News on Tuesday, Cooper said: 'Well, those are the most devastating images and to see that scale of destruction across Gaza.
"Of course, we have also seen the terrible images of malnutrition among children, and we've seen the really disturbing images of some of the hostages still being held.
"So it shows really why it is so urgent that we get the ceasefire, the humanitarian assistance and also a proper plan going forward, as the prime minister has set out, including not just the pathway around recognition, but also a whole series of much wider steps in terms of tackling this crisis in the Middle East.'
The aerials show areas like Al-Zahraa City virtually levelled, with one of the only buildings still standing - the Al Wafa Centre for Elderly Care - surrounded by ruins.
The centre, which provides free care for elderly Palestinians without families, was hit in November 2023, according to local reports, killing its director, Dr Medhat Muheisen.
In March, an Israeli strike demolished the only cancer hospital in Gaza. The Israeli army said it was being used by Hamas operatives, providing no evidence to support the claim.
The ariels also depicted a primary and secondary school, surrounded by ruins. There is no public information about what happened to the lives of those who once lived in the area, nor that of the pupils who once filtered through the halls of the school.
Since October 7, 2023 - when 1,200 Israelis were killed in Hamas-led attacks - Israel has launched a prolonged military campaign across the Gaza Strip.
More than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed since then, according to the territory's health ministry.
Alongside the physical devastation, a humanitarian catastrophe continues to unfold. Gaza's Health Ministry claims 87 adults have died from malnutrition since late June, with at least 93 children having died from hunger-related causes since the war began.
Israel denies that famine is occurring, but UN experts have warned the territory is facing a 'worst-case scenario.'
Israeli broadcaster Channel 12 has reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to convene a high-level security meeting on Tuesday.
It's understood that the goal of the session is to finalise strategic options for Gaza, ahead of a broader cabinet meeting later this week.
The pressure on Netanyahu's government to reach a ceasefire is growing, especially following the recent release of videos showing visibly emaciated Israeli hostages still held in Gaza.
A previous round of negotiations collapsed in July, after US envoy Steve Witkoff accused Hamas of showing 'a lack of desire' to reach a deal.
As destruction deepens and the humanitarian crisis worsens, Cooper's remarks reflect increasing international calls for both immediate relief and a viable long-term political solution.
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