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Gaza and Sudan 2025-11-18
18 November 2025
Lead MP
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Foreign Affairs
Other Contributors: 27
At a Glance
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs raised concerns about gaza and sudan 2025-11-18 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
Foreign Affairs
Government Statement
Today I am updating the House on two of the world’s gravest conflicts—in Gaza and in Sudan—following recent resolutions in the UN and discussions at the G7. In Gaza, after a ceasefire agreement led by President Trump with support from Qatar, Egypt and Türkiye, twenty hostages are home and 25 more have been returned for burial. The UN Security Council passed resolution 2803 authorising an international stabilisation force for Gaza, supported by the Palestinian Authority and Arab partners. Crucial is the deployment of this force and trained Palestinian police to support the ceasefire. Urgent aid increases and border crossings opening are needed; currently UK aid sits unused due to closed borders. Beyond Gaza, stability in the west bank is essential, with an economic crisis induced by Israeli restrictions strangling the Palestinian economy. The pace of illegal settlement building continues, and settler violence must be addressed to protect a two-state solution.
In Sudan, the worst humanitarian crisis of the 21st century is unfolding with over 30 million people needing aid, twelve million displaced, and famine spreading. Satellite pictures show atrocities committed in El Fasher, including mass executions and systematic use of rape as a weapon. The UK has committed £125 million this year alone but access remains an issue. A complete step change is needed to alleviate suffering and bring about peace, requiring more aid and a lasting ceasefire underpinned by a serious political process. The UK is engaging intensively with the Quad countries calling for an immediate humanitarian truce and an end to external support fuelling conflict.
Last Friday, the UK called a special session of the UN Human Rights Council securing international consensus for an urgent inquiry into alleged crimes in El Fasher.
Andrew Rosindell
Con
Romford
Question
Key to yesterday’s resolution was a mandate for the International Stabilisation Force, but can the Foreign Secretary set out exactly what Britain’s contribution will be to that force? The Government speak about the need for the force to be deployed quickly, to avoid a potential power vacuum being filled by Hamas. What is Britain’s contribution?
Minister reply
While not specified in the provided transcript, the minister would likely detail Britain's role in deploying technical assistance, sharing expertise or intelligence, funding support, and ground actions as part of contributing to the international stabilisation force.
Anneliese Dodds
Lab/Co-op
Oxford East
Question
Welcomes Foreign Secretary’s comments on sanctions and aid access but urges further action to prevent atrocities, suggesting pushing the Quad for RSF compliance with ICC forensic teams and ICRC.
Minister reply
Agrees with the hon. Member's concerns and highlights efforts towards a resolution at the Human Rights Council and the need for sustained international effort.
Andrew Mitchell
Con
Sutton Coldfield
Question
Expresses deep concern over ethnic cleansing in El Fasher, urging Foreign Secretary to lobby senior UN countries and President Trump.
Minister reply
Agrees that there is a lack of urgent plan for Sudan; highlights efforts at the Human Rights Council despite vetoes by Russia.
David Taylor
Lab
Hemel Hempstead
Question
Supports remarks about horrors in Sudan, specifically asking what more can be done to protect civilians and proposing a peacekeeping force.
Minister reply
Concerned that Tawila may face similar atrocities; emphasises the need for international efforts akin to those seen in Gaza.
Honiton and Sidmouth
Question
Inquires about spending on asylum hotels vs. official development assistance, requesting more aid in Sudan region.
Minister reply
Acknowledges steps towards ending asylum hotel expenditure; mentions additional funding for survivors of sexual violence.
Afzal Khan
Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Question
Asks about UK's steps to protect and support civilians, especially women and girls, in Sudan.
Minister reply
Agrees on the importance of international work against sexual violence; calls for preventing conflict.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
Asks about representations to Israel regarding journalists' access and sources supplying weapons to RSF.
Minister reply
Agrees on allowing journalist entry into Gaza; identifies multiple routes for arms supply.
Aylesbury
Question
Praises the Foreign Secretary's work and asks about further actions to press Israeli Government against settler violence.
Minister reply
Introduces sanctions on Israeli Ministers involved in settler violence.
Brian Mathew
LD
Melksham and Devizes
Question
Welcomes statement but questions why FCDO's atrocity prevention team isn't working with Sudan team, highlighting atrocities.
Minister reply
Concerned about El Obeid and Tawila; discusses discussions with Quad members.
Rachael Maskell
Lab/Co-op
York Central
Question
Asks for details on talks with UAE to halt supply of mercenaries and weapons fuelling Sudan conflict.
Minister reply
Highlights efforts to maintain maximum pressure through the Quad.
Question
What urgent steps are the Government taking to ensure safe humanitarian corridors for aid agencies in Sudan? How can we hold international backers accountable?
Minister reply
The UN Human Rights Council resolution includes the need for humanitarian access and investigation of atrocities. The Quad countries have committed to a ceasefire and ending external support; it is essential that we work with them to implement this commitment.
Question
Will the Prime Minister personally get involved in Sudan's crisis as many believe leadership from him could prevent more atrocities?
Minister reply
The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of Sudan when I was appointed, including leading the London Sudan conference this year. The situation is still deteriorating; we need international support for action.
Stella Creasy MP
Lab
Question
What are we doing about the reports that Israelis are blocking mobile homes and tents in Gaza? Will the ISF play a role in future truth and reconciliation processes?
Minister reply
We continue to urge lifting restrictions on tents and equipment. The immediate task of the international stabilisation force will be to sustain and monitor peace, enabling IDF withdrawal from Gaza.
David Mundell MP
Con
Question
How robust have exchanges with the UAE been? Are there real efforts to engage the African Union in Sudan's crisis?
Minister reply
We need evidence of a step change; 8 million people are at serious risk of famine. The SAF and RSF must understand the importance of humanitarian aid access.
Martin Rhodes MP
Lab
Question
Will the Government consider banning trade with illegal settlements in response to high levels of settler attacks on Palestinians?
Minister reply
My predecessor halted free trade discussions and introduced sanctions for Israeli Ministers. We will ensure the peace process includes broader strategy for the West Bank, part of the work of the board of peace.
Layla Moran MP
Lib Dem
Question
What is the UK's response to the International Court of Justice advisory opinion on occupation in Gaza and elsewhere?
Minister reply
We take the ICJ position seriously; upholding international law requires ensuring peace process for Gaza remains on track towards a two-state solution.
Mark Pritchard
Con
The Wrekin
Question
Welcoming UN resolution 2803, he asks if the Prime Minister's stance on a two-state solution is problematic for peace and inquires about Russia's destabilisation of Sudan.
Minister reply
We disagree with the Israeli PM but support President Trump’s 20-point plan. On Sudan, we are concerned about Russian engagement in conflicts and their veto of our UN resolution.
Paul Waugh
Lab/Co-op
Rochdale
Question
Acknowledging UK's role at the UN and the NHS's support for Palestinian patients, he asks what more can be done to rebuild healthcare in Gaza.
Minister reply
We will continue supporting sick and injured children. We are working with neighbouring countries on how best to support the rebuilding of healthcare infrastructure in Gaza.
Shabana Mahmood
Lab
Birmingham, Ladywood
Question
She thanks Yvette Cooper for her statement and asks about Sudan’s humanitarian crisis, expressing concern over US involvement.
Minister reply
The plan is important in securing a ceasefire after two years of suffering. We need unity to deliver the two-state solution.
Salford
Question
Concerned about her constituent's child being separated during displacement, she asks what can be done for family reunification.
Minister reply
I will look into the case. In such conflicts, families need support to reunite.
Ben Lake
PC
Ceredigion Preseli
Question
Echoing horror at El Fasher's slaughter and asking about responses to Friday’s resolution and plans for pressure on warring parties.
Minister reply
Responses from warring parties are inadequate. We need continued pressure on all sides.
Mohammad Yasin
Lab
Bedford
Question
Thanking the increased aid to Sudan and confirming no UK military equipment has entered conflict, he asks about discussions with ICJ for justice.
Minister reply
We secured a UN fact-finding mission earlier this year. We need full investigations for international courts.
Ellie Chowns
Green
North Herefordshire
Question
Asking about steps to increase pressure on Israel regarding humanitarian NGOs and settlement expansion, and how the UK will press UAE on Sudan.
Minister reply
We raise issues directly with Israeli Government through peace process. On Sudan, we engage with nations that can influence warring parties.
Sarah Smith
Lab
Hyndburn
Question
Welcoming UN security resolution and establishment of stabilisation force, she asks about the legality of Israel’s punishment of settler attacks.
Minister reply
We have concerns over illegal settlements. There is a need for strong Israeli law enforcement against settler violence.
Jeremy Corbyn
Ind
Islington North
Question
Asking not to link statements, he inquires about British arms sales and their impact on Sudan's conflict, and the sale of arms to Israel.
Minister reply
We have deep concerns over illegal settlements. We support strong Israeli law enforcement against settler violence.
Mary Kelly Foy
Lab
City of Durham
Question
The rebuilding of Gaza must be Palestinian-led. Civil society and communities in Gaza have led the efforts on the frontline in the face of two years of genocide and decades of Israeli siege, occupation, and military violence. Does the Foreign Secretary accept that any initiative bypassing Palestinians in favour of externally imposed initiatives will always fail?
Minister reply
We continue to take the view that Palestine must be led by Palestinians; that is immensely important. The Palestinian Authority has supported and welcomed the resolution passed by the United Nations, which provides for the transfer of Gaza to the Palestinian Authority alongside the West Bank.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Question
The Israeli Government have agreed the 20-point peace plan and the UN resolution, allowing more than 20,000 truckloads of aid into Gaza since the ceasefire, while Hamas continue to terrorise individuals in Gaza, stockpile weapons, and refuse to give up their own weapons. What can she do to ensure that Israel is encouraged in its path towards peace, and Hamas are discouraged in their resolve?
Minister reply
We have a 20-point plan that both the Israeli Government and Hamas signed up to. It includes the decommissioning of weapons, ensuring that Hamas do not play a role in future governance of Gaza or Palestine, and the IDF withdrawing fully from Gaza.
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