Sayeeda Warsi, a senior minister in Britain's Foreign Office, resigned on Tuesday, accusing Prime Minister David Cameron's government of taking a "morally indefensible" approach to the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
While the British government has repeatedly called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, Cameron has come under criticism from political opponents for what they say has been his reluctance to condemn Israel's actions in stronger terms.
Warsi announced her decision as Israel pulled its ground forces out of the Gaza Strip and started a 72-hour cease-fire with Hamas mediated by Egypt as a first step toward negotiations on a more enduring end to the month-old war.