Sir Keir Starmer has announced that Britain is considering imposing sanctions on two high-profile Israeli ministers in response to growing international pressure on Israel for its actions in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon.
This follows the UK’s decision to impose sanctions on Israeli settlers in the West Bank, accusing Israel of fostering “impunity to flourish” among extremist settlers.
Just a day prior, Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron revealed that he had been preparing to sanction Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. These sanctions, according to Cameron, were under consideration before the recent general election was called.
During Prime Minister’s Questions, Sir Keir was asked about these potential sanctions, to which he responded, “We are looking at that.”
He described the remarks made by Smotrich and Ben-Gvir regarding Gaza and the West Bank as “abhorrent,” criticizing their lack of empathy and fueling tensions in the region. Starmer also highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where the death toll has exceeded 42,000.
He emphasized the importance of Israel taking “all possible steps to avoid civilian casualties,” while ensuring more humanitarian aid reaches the region.
Call for Urgent UN Security Council Meeting
The UK, in collaboration with France, plans to convene an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council to address the rapidly deteriorating conditions in Gaza. Starmer stressed that Israel must not only increase the flow of aid into Gaza but also give humanitarian organizations such as the UN the capacity to operate effectively on the ground.
Echoing sentiments from the White House, Starmer agreed with U.S. warnings that Israel’s foreign military funding could be at risk if the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens. President Biden’s administration has made it clear that increased aid to Gaza is necessary or military support could be reduced.
Antony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State, and Lloyd Austin, U.S. Secretary of Defense, have both expressed concern over the situation in Gaza. In a letter to their Israeli counterparts, they warned of the potential consequences if immediate changes are not made.
Their message comes in the aftermath of an Israeli airstrike on a hospital tent in northern Gaza, which claimed at least four lives. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation and fueled growing international dismay.
Starmer stated his support for these warnings during Prime Minister’s Questions, stating, “I do agree with those remarks and we are constantly making representations on this with our partners. There is an urgent need for more aid to get into Gaza.”
He added that Israel must comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law. The U.S. has set a target of 350 trucks per day carrying aid into Gaza, alongside calls for additional humanitarian pauses and increased security for relief sites. According to Blinken and Austin, Israel has 30 days to respond to these demands.
Sanctions Target Extremist Settlers
The UK’s new sanctions, announced earlier this week, focus on three outposts and four organizations that have been involved in what Foreign Secretary David Lammy described as “heinous abuses of human rights” against Palestinians in the occupied territories. These actions, taken by extremist settlers, have further strained the already volatile situation in the region.
Labour Friends of Israel has welcomed these sanctions. The organization’s chair, Jon Pearce, commented: “The violent attacks carried out by extremist settlers against Palestinian civilians, their homes and property are, as President Herzog has repeatedly stated, immoral and illegal. We welcome the sanctions announced by the government today to tackle extremist violence.”
Lord Cameron, speaking shortly after the sanctions announcement, revealed the Labour Party’s internal discussions on taking tougher action against Israeli ministers.
He noted that before the general election, he was “working up” sanctions against both Smotrich and Ben-Gvir, viewing it as a critical step to pressuring Prime Minister Netanyahu into adhering to international law.
As pressure continues to mount on Israel, the UK’s stance reflects the international community’s growing frustration with the ongoing conflict and the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
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