LONDON 

A UK-based charity on Tuesday condemned Downing Street’s decision to overrule Foreign Secretary David Lammy's comments regarding Israel's latest attacks on Gaza which left more than 400 people dead.

The organization described the move as “appalling.”

Lammy, in a statement to the House of Commons, had declared that Israel’s ongoing blockade of aid was a clear breach of international law.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Israel to adhere to its international obligations but stressed that “it is up to courts to make judgments” on such matters.

Asked if Lammy had overstepped the government’s position, Starmer’s spokesperson referred the question to the Foreign Office, but added there had been no policy change.

Halima Begum, Oxfam’s chief executive, responded strongly, saying: "Israel has been committing non-stop violations of international law in Gaza and the West Bank for over a year; including most recently blocking all aid into Gaza, collectively punishing over two million people who are already living in apocalyptic conditions. These war crimes have been televised and reported by countless organizations and legal bodies, from the UN to the International Court of Justice."

Begum further emphasized the gravity of the situation.

"Today of all days, when Israel has resumed its illegal bombing campaign and forced displacement orders on Palestinians in Gaza, for the government to row back on the foreign secretary’s words is nothing short of appalling. The UK government must condemn these crimes in the strongest terms immediately and stop its complicity in this catastrophic crisis," she said.

In his comments on Monday, Lammy condemned Israel’s actions as "unacceptable, hugely alarming, and very worrying," particularly the fact that aid has been blocked for over two weeks.