Occupied Palestinian Territories

Compliments Kinnock's balanced approach and asks if the recent events encouraging peace among Israel and Arab states have encouraged him. He suggests a new 'outside-in' approach to regional dynamics could offer an opportunity for progress towards a two-state solution.

Questions Kinnock's implication that Israeli settlements hindered the Oslo accords, suggesting he review accounts of why peace negotiations failed after the agreements were signed.

Suggests that despite many disagreements, elements within Trump-Netanyahu's deal could form a starting point for conversation leading to a two-state solution.

Agrees with Kinnock on the need for Britain to remain an honest broker in peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine, cautioning against actions that could undermine this role.

Supports Kinnock's stance, expressing concern over Israeli policies threatening the viability of a future Palestinian state.

Endorses Kinnock's balanced approach and suggests that recent Arab-Israeli agreements could provide an opportunity for UK-Gulf cooperation to influence Israeli policy towards peace.

Congratulates the hon. Member for Aberavon on securing this important debate, discusses the Israeli settlement programme and its contravention of international law, welcomes recent normalisation agreements between Israel, UAE, and Bahrain but calls for a two-state solution and suggests it is time for UK to recognise Palestine's statehood.

Argues that neither annexation nor settlement expansion provides hope for a viable Palestinian state, criticises the Trump peace plan, calls for international recognition of Palestine and adherence to international law.

Suggests settlements are not the primary cause of violence between Israelis and Palestinians, argues that Israel has a history of removing settlements in pursuit of peace, welcomes recent trilateral Abraham accords and calls for Palestinian engagement with peace talks.

The Trump plan was an annexation plan that would not have brought peace to the region. Although welcoming treaties between Israel and UAE/Bahrain, Julie Elliott argues these do nothing for ground-level peace in Israel/Palestine. She highlights ongoing de facto annexation through settler expansion and demolition orders against Palestinian structures funded by European nations. Elliott calls on the British Government to recognise Palestine now and ban products from illegal settlements.

In an intervention, Robert Largan questions Julie Elliott's eagerness to recognise the state of Palestine, asking which Palestinian Government she would support—Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.

Stephen Crabb congratulates Stephen Kinnock for securing the debate and discusses the significance of peace agreements between Israel, UAE and Bahrain. He argues that these agreements hold out a promise of better future for Palestinians as well. Crabb emphasises the importance of Palestinian leadership showing courage to engage in dialogue, moving beyond old patterns of thinking and behaviour. He also calls for pressure on Palestinian leaders to address issues like school textbooks glorifying violence.

In an intervention, Christian Wakeford agrees with Stephen Crabb that the leadership in Palestine is holding its people back from opportunities and prosperity.

I welcome this debate and support the two-state solution, having visited the west bank recently where I saw how settlements threaten peace. These settlements are becoming increasingly further east of the green line, complicating a land swap solution as proposed by the Trump plan for annexation. I fear that Netanyahu's Government could still proceed with these plans despite recent accords with other nations and call for consequences for Israel if it continues down this path, including potential sanctions. We must also be wary of creeping annexation, which would not accommodate any agreement with Palestinians.

Intervened to highlight the need for consequences against Israel if it proceeds with annexation plans. Noted that President Trump's role as a global thug could influence this situation negatively, requiring clear actions from the UK.

Emphasised the significance of recent events in Israeli-Palestinian relations and highlighted Israel’s unilateral withdrawal from Gaza. Acknowledged historical context but stressed the need for direct negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians, with compromises needed on both sides. Questioned Minister about steps being taken to resume direct talks and support peace process without leaving Palestinians behind.

Shah highlighted that Palestinians have been abandoned and ignored, especially in recent peace agreements. She criticised Israel's breach of international law and the normalisation efforts without addressing occupation or the rights of Palestinians.

Ali intervened to agree with Shah, stressing that the Israeli Government has not ruled out annexation for the long term. She urged the UK government to ensure Israel does not pursue this agenda.

Clarke-Smith welcomed the recent peace agreements between Israel and the UAE and Bahrain, arguing that they demonstrate a more nuanced understanding of regional issues than previously thought. He emphasised the importance of Saudi Arabia's role in these developments and called for support from the UK government.

Moran, as the first British Palestinian MP, highlighted the human impact of the Trump peace plan on Palestinians. She criticised the suffocating nature of proposed restrictions in Jericho under the plan and called for recognition of Palestine to give hope to its people.

Mr Howell noted the Council of Europe’s potential role in fostering peace between Israelis and Palestinians. He acknowledged the historic agreements as a significant step towards regional stability but lamented Palestinian leadership's lack of recognition for these efforts. He emphasised that settlements are not an insurmountable obstacle to peace, and hoped for a forward-looking approach from all sides.

Mr Mayhew expressed support for Israel's creation and flourishing but criticised ongoing settlement building in the occupied territories as an obstacle to peace. He highlighted the need for dialogue and normalised relations rather than assertive acts of annexation, supporting UK efforts to promote a two-state solution.

Mr McCabe welcomed recent developments but expressed disappointment over continued issues like Hamas terrorism, Hezbollah's military capabilities, and the Palestinian Authority’s support for violence. He called for peacebuilding co-existence projects and criticised UK funding cuts in this area.

Mr Timms urged the Government to take a stronger stance against settlement building, highlighting its detrimental impact on the feasibility of a two-state solution. He called for concrete actions from the UK beyond verbal objections and emphasised the need for international sanctions to address ongoing illegality.

I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Aberavon on securing this important debate. I draw attention to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests for a visit to the Occupied Palestinian Territories with Medical Aid for Palestinians and the Council for Arab-British Understanding. The conflict between Israelis and Palestinians has meant suffering on all sides for generations, along with regional instability and insecurity for both groups. In Gaza, 80% of civilians depend on international humanitarian relief. When I visited the Occupied Palestinian Territories last year, it was clear that the situation had got progressively worse due to restrictions on freedom of movement and access to essential services. The so-called Trump plan has put a genuine peace process in jeopardy and taken us backwards.

I warmly congratulate the hon. Member for Aberavon on bringing this subject forward today. This debate is not about being pro or anti Jew or Muslim, Israeli or Palestinian; it is about our being consistent in applying international law. Israel has a right to exist and security within its 1967 borders. The Trump plan rewards bad behaviour and should be rejected out of hand. Settlements are the primary obstacle to a two-state solution, undermining peace efforts. I have concrete questions for the Minister: will the UK ban settlement goods or label them so consumers can make choices?

I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Aberavon on securing this important debate. President Trump’s deal and Prime Minister Netanyahu’s annexation proposals were against international law, placing peace treaties in jeopardy. I would like to know from the Minister if our Foreign Secretary said emphatically that those plans should be withdrawn absolutely and irreversibly cancelled. Illegal settlements are a real barrier to peace and need to be addressed. We must support coexistence projects and begin a meaningful peace process; only then can we build a firm basis for permanent peace.

Acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue and welcomed recent improvements in relations between Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain. Stated that a two-state solution is desired and emphasised opposition to annexation as it violates international law and hinders peace efforts. Called for continued engagement with Palestinian leadership and criticised Iran's provocative rhetoric. Emphasised support for Palestinian people through UNRWA.

Emphasised that the UAE deal has not stopped annexation, with ongoing settlement expansion. Criticised the Trump plan as breaking international law and unviable for negotiations. Called on the British Government to recognise Palestine based on 1967 lines immediately. Highlighted the need to distinguish between trade in products from illegal settlements versus Israel proper, and urged action against British companies involved in illegal settlements.