Sir Keir Starmer confirmed on Wednesday that two Far-right ministers in Israel could still face UK sanctions for encouraging violent extremism and potential war crimes against Palestinians.
Former foreign secretary Lord Cameron revealed this week that until the election intervened, the previous Conservative government was preparing to sanction Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich and national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Mr Smotrich has faced condemnation for suggesting that it might be “just and moral” to withhold food aid from Gaza, while Mr Ben-Gvir has condoned violence against Palestinians by Jewish illegal settlers in the West Bank.
Addressing the PM at Prime Minister’s Questions, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey noted their inflammatory rhetoric and asked if Lord Cameron’s planned sanctions were still in the works.
Sir Keir replied: “We are looking at that.” He stressed that the pair had made “abhorrent” comments about the situation in Gaza and the West Bank.
The Prime Minister was speaking after Washington, in a dramatic escalation, warned that Israel has 30 days to boost humanitarian aid access in Gaza or risk having some US military aid cut off.
Sir Keir said: “The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire. The death toll has passed 42,000 and access to basic services is becoming much harder.
“Israel must take all possible steps to avoid civilian casualties, to allow aid into Gaza in much greater volumes and provide the UN humanitarian partners the ability to operate effectively,” he said, confirming an urgent UN Security Council meeting over the issue.
Shortly earlier on Wednesday, Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced that the UK, France and Algeria had called the urgent debate at the United Nations to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Access to basic services is worsening and the UN reports that Israel has allowed barely any food to enter the besieged territory in the past two weeks, Mr Lammy said.
“While the conflict continues, all parties are bound by international humanitarian law. Reflecting our concerns – the UK made the difficult decision last month to suspend export licences to Israel that could be used in military operations in Gaza. This does not change our steadfast support for Israel’s security,” he said.
“Along with our international partners, we continue to call for an immediate ceasefire to allow more humanitarian aid to get in and get the remaining hostages out.”
On Tuesday, Mr Lammy announced a fresh wave of sanctions in response to continued violence by extremist settlers on the West Bank. He criticised the “inaction of the Israeli government” for allowing “impunity to flourish” among the settlers.
