The United Kingdom is contemplating imposing sanctions on two far-right Israeli ministers following controversial remarks made by them. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced this during a session in the House of Commons.
The ministers in question are Itamar Ben-Gvir, the Minister of National Security, and Bezalel Smotrich, the Finance Minister of Israel. The decision to consider sanctions came after a statement by Smotrich suggesting that 'starving two million people in Gaza might be justified and moral,' and another by Ben-Gvir praising settlers who killed a 19-year-old in the West Bank as 'heroes.'
During the parliamentary session, Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey raised the issue and urged the prime minister to take action against the two ministers. In response, Starmer acknowledged the gravity of the comments and expressed concern over the situation in the West Bank and Gaza.
Starmer mentioned that the UK, along with France, has called for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He emphasized the need for Israel to prevent civilian casualties, facilitate the entry of aid into Gaza, and support the UN's humanitarian efforts in the region.
The prime minister's statement reflects growing international scrutiny of Israel's actions and policies in the region. The consideration of sanctions against the Israeli ministers underscores the UK's commitment to upholding human rights and promoting peace in the Middle East.
