TORY ministers were urged today to respect international law, not only when it comes to the Russian invasion of Ukraine but also to Israel’s occupation of Palestine. 

Sunderland Central Labour MP Julie Elliott said that international law was as relevant in both situations as she pressed ministers to consider recognising the state of Palestine in a Commons debate on the issue. 

Ms Elliott said: “My heart goes out to the Ukrainian people. Quite rightly we talk about international law. 

“In fact, I listened to the minister [Amanda Milling] only a few minutes ago and the vital importance of the sovereignty of states. Yet when Palestinians hear that — how must they feel?”

But former Tory minister Stephen Crabb called Ms Elliott’s comparison “historically wrong, factually wrong and morally wrong.” 

Ms Elliott replied: “What I was talking about was the upholding of international law which your own minister talked about a few minutes ago and the right of upholding international law is as relevant in Ukraine as it is in Palestine.” 

She also called for a total ban of illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

Britain has hit Russia with a series of economic sanctions for breaking international law over its invasion of Ukraine. 

Meanwhile Israel’s growing record of international law violations, including the expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank and demolition of Palestinian homes, have gone unpunished. 

Hitting back at Mr Crabb’s criticism, Palestine Solidarity Campaign director Ben Jamal defended Ms Elliott.

He told the Morning Star: “The UK government is rightly addressing Russia’s clear violation of international law by calling for sanctions — though if its response to the invasion were based on a genuine commitment to international law it would have taken action long ago against Israel’s illegal occupation.”

“Instead it has found time this week, through supporting [Tory MP] Robert Jenrick’s amendment to the pensions Bill, to further shield Israel from being held accountable.” 

MPs voted in Parliament on Tuesday for a law change that would prevent local pension funds divesting from firms on ethical grounds — a move widely thought to target pro-Palestinian campaigners. 

Also supporting the motion to recognise Palestinian statehood today, SNP MP Philippa Whitford said: “Palestinians face constant harassment and obstruction. Their homes are demolished while settlements are relentlessly expanded, in what is de facto annexation and conquest by concrete.”