Former home secretary Suela Braverman has defended Israel’s actions in Gaza and insisted the country was taking “substantial” actions to comply with international law.

Her comments come amid international and domestic pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to respond to the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Palestine and the deaths of three British aid workers last week.

The Tory MP for Fareham said she “strongly refuted” claims that Israel was breaching international law: “I’ve had inquiries, I’ve had tests, I’ve been very close to the Gaza border and I’m convinced – and I say this as a matter of dealing with international law and former Attorney General on military operations, I strongly refute claims that Israel violates international law, commits genocide, and commits forced starvation.

“On the contrary,” she told London Broadcasting Corporation . “Israel is using technology, sophisticated methods and extensive efforts to minimize civilian casualties, deliver aid to Gaza and comply with international law.”

Ms Braverman also added that the deaths of three British aid workers at the hands of Israel last week was not a “reason” to leave Israel: “I don’t think the fact that these tragedies happened is a reason to leave Israel and stop sending money to Israel” Selling weapons because they are engaged in a wider war. “

Ms Braverman expressed her condolences to the families and friends of the aid workers killed by Israeli drones, including three Britons, adding: “They were brave people who risked their lives for humanitarian aid.

“They should not have been killed, it was a mistake and the Israelis were quick to take responsibility, conduct a full investigation and apologize. They deeply regret it.”

She continued: “The reality is that these tragedies happen in war and innocent civilians die sadly, very sadly.”

Rishi Sunak was forced to heed calls, including from within his own party, to immediately suspend arms sales to Israel amid growing opposition to Israel’s civilian deaths in its war against Hamas.

The prime minister faced pleas from Conservative dignitaries, hundreds of lawyers, dozens of MPs and peers from across the political spectrum, as well as senior military commanders, to stop arms exports to the country.

He was also urged to exert British influence over Israel to force the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to change its approach to the invasion.

The government has so far refused to release lawyers’ recommendations on whether Israel is violating its international obligations, and many former Supreme Court justices have warned that the government’s continued arming of Israel could violate international law.

Ms Braverman, who also serves as justice secretary, said she supported convention that legal advice given to the government should be kept confidential.

“I think the government needs to be able to act in an environment where legal advice is confidential and privileged,” she said.

Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron is expected to discuss Israel and the Gaza conflict during a trip to the US.