Starmer considers sanctions against Israeli ministers

PM agrees with White House that more aid must reach Gaza

- MILLIE COOKE

Sir Keir Starmer yesterday said Britain is considering imposing sanctions on Israeli ministers as pressure mounts on the Tel Aviv government over its actions in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon.

It came one day after the UK imposed fresh sanctions on Israeli settlers in the West Bank, accusing Israel of allowing “impunity to flourish” among extremist settlers.

Hours earlier, former foreign secretary Lord Cameron had revealed he had been preparing to sanction Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich and national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir during his final days in the role before the general election was called.

Asked at Prime Minister’s Questions whether those sanctions would be applied, Sir Keir said: “We are looking at that.” He added that the pair had made “abhorrent” comments about the situation in Gaza and the West Bank.

The prime minister added: “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. Along with France, the UK will convene an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council to address this.”

Sir Keir also said he agrees with the position taken by the White House when it warned that more humanitarian aid must flow into Gaza or Israel would face have weapons funding cut.