UK considering sanctions for Israeli ministers amid Gaza crisis

Britain and France have called an urgent meeting at the United Nations Security Council to discuss the humanitarian situation in Gaza and Britain is considering sanctioning two Israeli ministers, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Wednesday (October 16). Reuters reported earlier this month that food supplies to Gaza had fallen sharply in recent weeks after Israeli authorities introduced a new customs rule, and the United States said the humanitarian situation must improve or Israel could face potential restrictions on U.S. military aid. “The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire,“ Starmer told parliament, when asked about the situation. “Israel must take all possible steps to avoid civilian casualties, to allow aid into Gaza in much greater volume.“ British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said in a statement Israel must ensure civilians were protected and routes were open to allow life-saving aid through, and that the United Nations meeting would address these issues.