Keir Starmer ‘looking at’ sanctions against Israeli ministers over ‘abhorrent’ comments

Keir Starmer has said the government is considering imposing sanctions on Israeli ministers over their “abhorrent” comments.

It comes after Lord Cameron revealed he was planning to sanction two “extremist” Israeli ministers during his time as foreign secretary over their support for violent settlers and calls to block aid entering Gaza.

Asked at prime minister’s questions whether those sanctions would be applied, Starmer said: “We are looking at that.”

The prime minister said Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich and national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir had made “abhorrent” comments about the situation in Gaza and the West Bank.

Starmer 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.”

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