2 days ago
Bob Geldof shouts 'shut up' on Sky News in a desperate plea for Gaza babies
Sir Bob Geldof has declared that footage of malnourished youngsters in Gaza "enrages" him whilst criticising the UK Government for lack of action.
The Band Aid founder accused Israeli authorities of "lying" as they claimed "no famine caused by Israel". "They're dangling food in front of starving, panicked, exhausted mothers," he stated.
During a passionate Sky News discussion, an incensed Sir Bob questioned how Britain could develop a cutting-edge supercomputer earlier this month whilst infants in Gaza were forced to survive on mere spoonfuls of salt and minimal water. He declared: "Shut up. What have we become that we can do this miracle and perpetuate this agony?".
READ MORE: Multiple bodies found in Cornwall woods, crime commissioner confirms
READ MORE: Woman barred from Spoons says 'I'm not far-right - I care about this country'
He also criticised the UK administration, stating they had achieved "not enough". Sir Bob proposed that acknowledging Palestinian statehood - something Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure to pursue - wouldn't alter the humanitarian crisis.
He urged Labour parliamentarians to cease their correspondence campaigns for recognition, describing such efforts as "virtue signalling" currently, concluding: "Enough. Guys, focus on the issue to hand.", reports the Mirror.
The political activist emphasised that the most crucial issue is to prevent starving mothers and infants from being exploited as "instruments of war". Regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, he expressed his disinterest in the statements from both parties, stating: "I'm really not interested in what either of these sides are saying. When you target infants and children, when their wounds are no longer capable of healing, when breastfeeding mothers can no longer do this, then everything goes out the window."
He also addressed criticism of Israelis, some of whom were protesting against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's actions in Gaza, suggesting they should take direct action by delivering aid themselves. Sir Bob urged: "What's unfair is what's happening to these babies.... What's unfair is that one hour from the hunger, people are sitting down to their unthreatened dinners to turn on the next Netflix show.
"So if Israelis want to protest, get in your cars. This is very bold stuff, I know, sorry about that. Get in your car, stuff your cars full of food and drive through that border and let your own army stop you."
In efforts to provide assistance, the UK is collaborating with Jordan to facilitate airdrops into Gaza. Treasury minister James Murray commented on the situation, acknowledging the need for action: "We need to be doing everything we possibly can to help."
However, he conceded that there are significant limitations and disadvantages associated with airdrop methods of delivering aid.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister faces mounting pressure to officially recognise Palestine, especially following French President Emmanuel Macron's declaration that France would do so come September.
A cross-party group of 221 MPs, including members from Labour, the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, SNP, Greens, Plaid Cymru, SDLP and independents, have penned a letter urging the Government to take action at an upcoming UN meeting. The majority of signatories, with 131 being Labour MPs, are pushing for a significant move.
Mr Murray commented on Sunday: "As a Government, we're committed to the recognition of Palestine, but we need to work with international partners and we need to use that moment to galvanise change. It needs to be part of a pathway to peace."
He further noted: "140 countries have already recognised Palestine. The suffering is still continuing."
On the other hand, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has maintained her stance in support of Israel despite distressing images emerging from Gaza. She remarked: "War is a difficult situation and what I see when I see Israel is a country that is trying to defend itself, mostly from Iran and a lot of its proxies, Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis. I think they are in a very difficult situation."
She expressed concern over the prolonged conflict, saying: "What worries me is that the length of time that this war has been going on is making it very difficult for the people in the Palestinian territories and also for Israel. We need to bring things to an end."
