The situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate and I therefore welcome the joint action of the UK, Canada, Australia New Zealand and other countries in sanctioning the two Israeli ministers for their comments on Gaza and also the West Bank.
The Israeli Government must allow aid into Gaza and ensure distribution returns to UN agencies on the ground. The Israeli Government is enabling famine and causing unimaginable suffering to civilians in Gaza, this was highlighted by those on the Madleen earlier this week.
I repeat my calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, release of the remaining hostages, and the need for a two-state solution and the recognition of the state of Palestine.
