UK Official Sacked After Urging Gaza Truce

London has stopped short of urging for an end to the war, proposing only limited "pauses" to allow aid to reach the Palestinian enclave.

Conservative Member of Parliament Paul Bristow was removed from his position as parliamentary private secretary (PPS) at the Department for Science on Monday, days after he penned a letter to Sunak pressing for a long-term truce between Israel and Palestinian fighters in Gaza.

"Paul Bristow has been asked to leave his post in government following comments that were not consistent with the principles of collective responsibility," a spokesperson for 10 Downing Street said, referring to a rule requiring government officials to publicly support all cabinet policy decisions.

In his two-page letter to the prime minister, Bristow argued that a "permanent ceasefire" would "save lives and allow for a continued column of humanitarian aid (to) reach the people who need it the most." Sunak, however, has vocally defended Israel's military action in the Gaza Strip and urged against a full-on truce, instead calling for brief humanitarian "pauses" that are "distinct from a ceasefire."

Following his firing, Bristow went on to tell Sky News that he "completely understand(s) the PM's decision," but that he can "now talk openly about an issue so many of my constituents care deeply about."

"I believe I can do this better from the backbenches rather than as part of the government payroll," he continued.

While the UN General Assembly passed a non-binding resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza on Saturday, London abstained in the vote, along with 44 other member states. Fourteen countries opposed the measure, including the US, though it appeared to have had little effect as Israeli forces continued the early phase of their ground assault on Gaza.

The Israeli regime's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has rejected the idea of a ceasefire, telling reporters on Monday that "calls for a ceasefire are calls for Israel to surrender to Hamas." Following weeks of heavy airstrikes, the Israel forces have gradually expanded ground operations in the Palestinian enclave, using heavily armored vehicles in Palestinian residential neighborhoods.

At least 8,306 Palestinians have been killed in the latest bout of Israeli violence in Gaza, in addition to thousands injured.

The UN has warned of a dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza should the conflict continue, warning that more than 420 children are being killed or injured in Gaza every day.