Sir Keir Starmer has been challenged to recall Parliament to impose the “toughest and most severe sanctions available” on Israel following reports of an attack on Gaza City. The call comes as Palestinians flee the area after the Israeli military began the initial stages of a planned ground offensive.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasised the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, warning of the “massive death and destruction” that a military operation would inevitably cause. Scottish First Minister John Swinney has stated his view that Israel’s actions in Gaza “amount to genocide”, adding that the ground invasion only intensifies the suffering.
“This latest action by Israel is an outrageous and unacceptable escalation which must be a further wake-up call to the international community,” Mr Swinney said. He called for serious action to hold Israel to account, including an end to all UK arms sales to Israel. Mr Swinney urged the Prime Minister to recall MPs to Parliament so that the toughest sanctions can be imposed.
The First Minister also stressed that the offensive means more innocent Palestinians will die, pushing peace further away. He demanded that all international influence be used to stop the assault and secure a ceasefire.
