26 November 2023
I thought the Minister for Crime, Policing and Fire set out the Government’s position very clearly before the ceasefire Amendment was put to a vote at the end of the King’s Speech debate:
“On Gaza, which many Members have spoken about, let us keep in mind that 1,400 innocent civilians were deliberately targeted and slaughtered by terrorists, and over 200 people remain held hostage. As the Prime Minister has set out repeatedly, this Government support humanitarian pauses to ensure that aid can get to civilians in Gaza, given the difficult circumstances. This Government have dramatically increased humanitarian aid, having provided £30 million-worth, and 51 tonnes have been sent in already. Of course, much more is required.
“We are also working actively with international partners, including President Sisi of Egypt, to make sure the Rafah border crossing, which I have visited, is opened more to allow critical aid in. In order to ensure that civilians in Gaza are protected, our Government are actively engaging with the Government of Israel to ensure that they obey international law and redouble their efforts to protect civilians in Gaza. That is the humane and civilised thing to do, and this Government will continue to call for that.
“However, a ceasefire with Hamas in place cannot be just. Hamas have said that they intend to destroy Israel, and that they would once again perpetrate atrocities like those committed on 7 October. They continue to hold hostages, including children and British citizens, and they continue to fire rockets into Israel. To ask Israel to cease firing unilaterally would not be fair or just. In order to have a just peace and a lasting, permanent ceasefire, we need a two-state solution with a sovereign and recognised Palestinian state on the west bank and in Gaza, guaranteeing their security and the security of Israel alike. All of us in this House and beyond should redouble our efforts to bring about that two- state solution, and to bring about the peace we saw in the aftermath of the Oslo accords, passed in 1993. That shows there is a path—it is difficult but it can be trodden. Only with a just and lasting peace can we see a just and lasting ceasefire.”
Events have moved on since then and an agreement for a humanitarian pause was reached. I know from the discussions I have been involved in that the main focus throughout has been on getting humanitarian aid into Gaza. It has been welcome news to see the release of hostages and successful delivery of aid in recent days. Last month, the Government announced a further £30 million of humanitarian assistance, tripling our existing aid budget for the Occupied Palestinian Territories. During the pause, the fourth UK aircraft, carrying 23 tonnes of humanitarian aid for Gaza, has arrived in Egypt. This brings the total amount of UK humanitarian aid provided via British aircraft to 74 tonnes. That aid is now being dispersed to the United Nations to support critical food, water, health, shelter and protection needs in Gaza.
I share the Prime Minister’s position on this humanitarian pause and calls for a ceasefire as he set out during Prime Minister’s Questions recently:
“We welcome the agreement reached overnight…It is something that we have consistently pushed for and is a crucial first step as we try to resolve this situation and, indeed, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Of course, we want to see all hostages released as quickly as possible, including British nationals, and I urge all parties involved to deliver the agreement in full. I also put on record my thanks to Qatar for its important role. We will continue to work with the United States and Israel to ensure the safe return of hostages and maximise the opportunity of this temporary pause to step up aid to suffering civilians in Gaza. It is something that we have pushed for, that we have continued to do and that the UK is playing a leading role in delivering.”
“Actually, the agreement that has been reached demonstrates that it was not right to have a unilateral ceasefire. What was right was to do as we have done and consistently push for a pause that would allow not just for aid to reach the people in Gaza who desperately need it but for hostages to be released. That is what we have pushed for, and I am glad that that is now being delivered, versus a unilateral ceasefire that would have emboldened and strengthened Hamas.”
“Our position on the middle east peace process more broadly is clear: we support a negotiated settlement leading to a safe and secure Israel living alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state. I have spoken to President Abbas and met him to discuss this issue, and we are clear about strengthening the Palestinian Authority and reinvigorating efforts to find a two-state solution. Our long-standing position is that we would recognise the state of Palestine when it best serves the interests of peace.”
19 October 2023
We are all shocked by what has happened in Israel and Gaza over the past ten days. The murderous actions of Hamas have led to the devastating loss of life of men, women, children and babies. This massacre of innocent people is a strike at the very idea of Israel as a safe homeland for the Jewish people. I think all our thoughts are with all those families who have lost a loved one and those who remain missing.
Just as we stand with the Jewish community, we also stand with British Muslim communities. As the Prime Minister made clear in his statement to the House of Commons on Monday, “we mourn the loss of every innocent life, of the civilians of every faith and every nationality who have been killed.”
I know that many of my constituents are feeling real shock and horror at what they are seeing on the news and hearing from friends and family who live in the region. Many are understandably fearful of Israel’s response. While Israel has a right to defend itself, to go after Hamas and take back the hostages, it is clear that this must be done in line with international humanitarian law. I know that the Prime Minister will say this repeatedly during his visit to the country over the next few days. We must do what we can to prevent further escalation. The protection of civilian life must come first, and it is that respect for human life that sets us apart from the horrific violence of terrorists.
At the same time, we must continue our long-standing support to the innocent Palestinian people. They are victims of Hamas too, so often put in harm’s way as they are used as human shields. The loss of more than 2,600 Palestinian lives, including many children, is a grave tragedy. It is critical that our humanitarian support is able to reach civilians in Gaza. Both Israel and Egypt must cooperate to make sure that the aid can go where it is needed. I have no doubt that the additional £10 million of support announced by the Prime Minister will get to where it is needed.
The actions of Hamas have shattered the good progress made in recent years towards peace and stability in the region. However we must use all the tools of British diplomacy to help achieve security for Israelis and Palestinians. I have long-supported a two-state solution. I know that the Prime Minister shares my view and have no doubt that he will be doing what he can to emphasise this during his visit to the region this week.
I can assure you that I will continue to follow developments closely. If you are concerned about anyone who may remain in the region and who might require assistance from the Foreign Office, please do let me know.
