Jeremy Corbyn calls for review of arms sales to Israel amid Gaza violence

Mr Corbyn’s message read: “The killing and wounding of yet more unarmed Palestinian protesters yesterday by Israeli forces in Gaza is an outrage.

“They have a right to protest against their appalling conditions and the continuing blockade and occupation of Palestinian land, and in support of their right to return to their homes and their right to self-determination.

“The silence from international powers with the responsibility of bringing a just settlement of the Israel-Palestine conflict must end.

"The UK Government must support the UN secretary-general's call for an independent international inquiry into the killing of protesters in Gaza and review the sale of arms that could be used in violation of international law.”

Boris Johnson, the Foreign Secretary, is yet to make a statement on Gaza, although Alistair Burt, the Middle East minister, said he was “appalled by the deaths and injuries”.

Mr Burt said: “There is an urgent need to establish the facts, including why such a volume of live fire was used and what role Hamas played in the violence.”

The Israeli army indicated last week that it would carry out an investigation into the deaths of 27 Palestinians and the wounding of hundreds more during the first round of violence.