He was speaking after Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued a joint statement with the leaders of France and Canada on the situation in Gaza and the West Bank.
The Upper Bann MLA has said: “The situation unfolding before our eyes in Gaza is both horrific and unconscionable, as Palestinian civilians are being made subject to collective punishment in breach of international law.
“The blockade on humanitarian aid has left children starving and hospitals running out of basic medicines, with the UN issuing a chilling warning this week warning that 14,000 babies could perish in a 48 hour period.
“The Prime Minister’s joint statement with the leaders of France and Canada, and suspension of trade negotiations with Israel, are actions that are welcome but that should have been taken long ago. The UK Government must now go further and suspend arms sales to Israel.
“The international community cannot simply look away from the suffering in Gaza any longer. It is only through a sustained ceasefire, release of remaining hostages, cessation of hostilities, and flow of humanitarian aid that the rights and dignity of both Israelis and Palestinians can be protected, and lasting peace and security delivered.”