Starmer urged to recall Parliament and sanction Israel over Gaza war
Sir Keir Starmer is under pressure to recall Parliament to "impose immediate sanctions" on Israel after politicians across the UK penned a letter urging him to "act now".
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Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill, Alliance Party leader Naomi Long and SDLP leader Claire Hanna were just some of the signatories on the letter which urged the Prime Minister to exert pressure on Israel to end the war in Gaza.
The letter says: "The humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza is both man-made and avoidable.
"It is characterised not only by relentless bombardment and destruction, but by the deliberate creation of conditions that are starving a civilian population.
"The blocking of food, water, and medical supplies has precipitated what UN agencies and humanitarian experts describe as a man-made famine; one that is rapidly claiming lives and inflicting irreparable harm on an already traumatised population."
The politicians want Sir Keir to recall Parliament and impose sanctions on Israel and to "support a ceasefire and meaningful diplomatic intervention to protect civilians and secure a just, lasting peace".
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Their letter also calls for an immediate end to all arms sales to Israel, support for "independent, international investigations into alleged war crimes, crimes against humanity, and acts of genocide in Gaza".
It adds that the UK should use its "diplomatic influence to press for the unimpeded delivery of food, water, medicine, and humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza".
The letter reads: "The UK's moral standing and commitment to human rights will be measured by its response to this crisis.
"We urge you to act decisively by standing against the man-made famine, the mass killing of children, and the broader assault on civilian life.
"History will remember whether we chose to remain silent or to stand on the side of humanity."
Other co-signatories include Scottish Greens co-leader Lorna Slater , Alistair Carmichael from the Scottish Liberal Democrats, Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth and Plaid Cymru's Westminster group leader Liz Saville Roberts, and People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll.
SDLP leader Ms Hanna said "ever growing numbers of people across these islands have shown their horror and anguish" at events in Gaza.
She added: "The situation is deteriorating, with more people dying every day.
"The people of Gaza don't have the luxury of waiting any longer for the UK Government to act.
"Today the SDLP is leading parties in giving voice to the despair and anger at the UK Government's failure to stand up to Netanyahu.
"Our voice may be the only tool we have, but together it is a powerful one - reflecting the depth of feeling of our constituents and highlighting the failure of the Prime Minister and his government to do all in their power to protect the people of Gaza."
The Prime Minister has previously said the UK will recognise a Palestinian state in September unless Israel meets certain conditions, including agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza and reviving the prospect of a two-state solution.