DAVID Lammy confirmed the UK Government has yet to make a decision on selling weapons to Israel as he met with Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday.
The Foreign Secretary met with Israeli Prime Minister and Palestinian Authority PM Mohammad Mustafa where he called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
During the meeting, Lammy also urged for the release of all hostages held in the territory and for an increase in aid.
Pressure has been mounting on the UK Government to end arms exports to Israel, which the newly appointed minister was unable to confirm if the UK has made a decision.
When asked about the sales, Lammy said he would “look at the assessment and the legal considerations”.
“That process has begun and I hope to report to Parliament as soon as I possibly can," he said.
The Labour Party had faced a backlash from some Muslim voters over their response to the conflict during the run up to the General Election, as many believed there was a lack of condemnation of Israel from the party.
It’s believed that Israel’s latest strike on Gaza killed at least 90 people in the south of the territory.
Israeli officials say the attack was targeted at Hamas’ military commander Mohammed Deif, but it was not known whether he was among the dead.
Lammy said: “It’s important that, whilst we are in a war, that war is conducted according to international humanitarian law.
“Of course, I will be pressing Israeli leaders on that subject over the coming days.”
He also said: “I’m here to push for a ceasefire.”
“The loss of life over the last few months... is horrendous. It has to stop,” he added.
The Foreign Secretary also said the current humanitarian situation in Gaza was “appalling” and confirmed the UK Government would be providing an additional £5.5 million in funding to medical charity UK-Med.
He also expressed frustration over a lack of aid trucks entering Gaza “after months and months of asking”.
The additional funding will be used to support the ongoing work of UK-Med's field hospitals and the emergency department at Nasser Hospital in the region.
