Mealy-mouthed ministers have rejected calls to check whether British-made goods have been used by Israel’s military in its latest assault on Gaza.

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond took a hammering from human rights campaigners yesterday after he claimed to have been “working tirelessly” for a 72-hour ceasefire announced overnight — despite having repeatedly refused to take a stand in the days prior.

But his pious proclamation follows enthusiastic shilling for weapons manufacturers — including sales to the Israeli military — in his previous portfolio as Defence Secretary.