UN Security Council members gather for a meeting Photo: David ‘Dee’ Delgado/ Reuters
The United Kingdom and France have demanded an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council due to the critical situation in Gaza, where food supplies have sharply decreased due to new restrictions imposed by Israel on customs. The situation has escalated to such an extent that the US has warned Israel of possible restrictions on military support if the humanitarian situation does not improve, Reuters reports.
As the humanitarian crisis worsens, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the government is considering sanctions against Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir for their statements on the war.
Starmer said in front of parliament: “We are constantly working with our partners. There is an urgent need for more humanitarian aid for Gaza.” He stressed that Israeli ministers could be included in the sanctions list because of their “disgusting” statements on the conflict. In particular, Smotrych justified the blockade of Gaza, saying that civilian hunger strikes can be justified, and Ben-Gvir called the authors of settler violence heroes.
Starmer also stressed that Israel must do everything possible to avoid civilian casualties, ensure uninterrupted humanitarian access to Gaza and allow UN partners to work effectively.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed that the upcoming UN meeting will discuss the protection of civilians and opening up routes for aid delivery.
