Israel and Gaza

Question

The UN resolution is welcome but critical now to ensure its implementation. What steps are the Government taking to press Hamas and Israel for an immediate ceasefire? Also, regarding aid distribution, can you confirm if funding to UNRWA will resume?

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Regarding the tragic airstrike on a humanitarian compound, will you support an independent investigation to establish accountability and clarify the incident's cause?

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Has the Foreign Secretary received legal advice indicating a clear risk that UK licensed items might be used in violation of international humanitarian law?

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Updates on progress to get hostages home, who is enforcing the release of hostages, clarification on whether UN Security Council resolution 2728 is binding, and how we ensure its enactment.

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Assurance on imposing sanctions including banning arms sales if Israel breaches the ceasefire, updates on discussions with partners for decisive international action should Israel ignore the resolution.

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The terrorist attack of 7 October on Israel has provoked widespread antisemitism in this country and around the world. The latest manifestation was at Manchester airport when Border Force guards made it apparent that they do not want Israeli Jews to enter this country, berating two victims of the Nova music festival slaughter as potential threats to security. Can the deputy Foreign Secretary confirm that Jews and Israelis are still welcome to enter this country?

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Feeling uncomfortable about the UK’s abstention twice in the UN Security Council process regarding a ceasefire, Sarah Champion questioned the effectiveness of the current situation. She noted that there is no immediate ceasefire and asked if it was vital for the Cabinet Minister responsible for overseas aid to be available for scrutiny. She also raised concerns over media updates instead of parliamentary responses and the delay in responding to the Procedure Committee’s report.

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Shelbrooke argued that a ceasefire must be observed by both sides, highlighting Hamas’s refusal to lay down arms and threats against the existence of Israel. He questioned if Hamas dismantling their terrorist organisation was necessary for any ceasefire.

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McDonald inquired about legal advice on whether the UK is compliant with international humanitarian law concerning arms exports that could be used to commit offences in Gaza.

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Offord expressed concern that UN resolution 2728 may embolden Hamas to maintain their grip on Gaza without releasing hostages, undermining efforts to secure their release.

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Elliott asked about the Government’s response to Israel shutting off north Gaza to UNRWA and when funding would be reinstated to alleviate starvation in Gaza.

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Villiers questioned how the Minister could say nothing has changed in policy terms when the UK voted for a resolution that does not condemn Hamas’ atrocity, making hostage release less likely.

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Khan condemned Israel for continuing to commit atrocities in Gaza, including besieging Al-Shifa Hospital, resulting in gun battles, beatings, deaths of patients, and execution-style killings.

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Ellwood questioned if it was concerning that UK aid had to be airdropped into Gaza and suggested the new port being built off Gaza could operate as a permanent operation for inspections.

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Can I set the record straight for Conservative Members that we on the Liberal Democrat Benches have been calling for months for an immediate bilateral ceasefire, and that we welcome yesterday’s UN Security Council resolution? However, the reality is that northern Gaza is on the brink of famine, with children dying of malnutrition, and tens of thousands of children are being killed or maimed by Israeli forces’ bombardment. Does the Minister believe that Netanyahu’s Government are complying with the International Court of Justice’s provisional order, which states that Israel must ensure with immediate effect that its forces do not commit any of the acts prohibited by the genocide convention? If he does not think that the Israeli Government are complying with that order, what is he doing about it?

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May I press my right hon. Friend further on the answer he gave to the hon. Member for Sunderland Central (Julie Elliott)? The humanitarian situation in Gaza is, of course, dire. In northern Gaza, it is estimated that some 70% of the population are suffering the most appalling food shortages and are resorting to eating animal feed, bird seed and grass. Does the Minister not recognise that respected international partners such as Australia, Canada, Sweden and Denmark have now restored full funding to UNRWA, which is the most important and capable humanitarian organisation in Gaza? Does he not think that the United Kingdom should also do so as quickly as possible, and in what circumstances and under what conditions will that be done?

Question

Diolch yn fawr, Mr Speaker. In the past hour, news agencies have reported that the Israeli National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has told Israeli Army Radio that, “We must enter Rafah now”. Surely this announcement that a military assault will be undertaken on an area of 1.7 million displaced people is a breach of a binding UN Security Council resolution and of international law. The Minister must urgently set out what action he will consider to prevent the Israeli armed forces taking such action. More specifically, does the UK agree that should Israel proceed with this action and refuse to adhere to the demand for an immediate ceasefire, it will be in violation of a binding resolution and in breach of international law?

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I have listened carefully to the answers that my right hon. Friend has given about the resolution passed, but it is my understanding that only a few weeks ago, the UK explained at the UN that it could not vote for a resolution that does not condemn the atrocities Hamas committed, and that simply calling for a ceasefire would not make one happen. It even said last month that such a resolution ‘could endanger the hostage negotiations’. As night follows day, the resolution was passed yesterday, and the Israelis have had to withdraw their negotiators due to what they have described as “delusional demands” from Hamas. Will my right hon. Friend accept that this resolution has made a material change for the worse, and that getting the hostages out has now actually been made less likely?

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The deputy Foreign Secretary stated earlier that he will expect a full explanation from Israel of the incident that was highlighted by my right hon. Friend the Member for Tottenham (Mr Lammy). That incident happened on 18 January, and the hon. Member for Rutland and Melton (Alicia Kearns) and I raised it with the Minister around eight weeks ago. I have also been to the UN in the past few weeks and raised it with diplomats there. When can we expect an explanation of why British aid agencies have been bombed by Israel, potentially using weapons provided in part by us? Can the Minister tell me when that explanation will come?

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The immediate impact of this resolution appears to be that Hamas have hardened their stance on the release of hostages, and the Israelis have said that they will not move until hostages are released. Apparently, the negotiations in Qatar were limited to being about only 40 of the hostages, namely the most weak and vulnerable. What is left out of the resolution is the requirement for immediate access to those hostages for the International Committee of the Red Cross, so that it can assess their condition and, indeed, whether they can travel at all. Will my right hon. Friend take action to demand immediate access to those hostages for the Red Cross, so that that assessment can take place?

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We can all see the devastation in Gaza, where more than 30,000 people have been killed. Two thirds of those people are women and children, and aid is still not getting in. While that is taking place, the situation on the west bank is, equally, worsening, so will the Minister condemn the recent announcement that 800 hectares of the west bank have been designated as Israeli state land?

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I welcome the immediate humanitarian pause in UNSC resolution 2728, and I congratulate our diplomats on their role in this resolution. As the deputy Foreign Secretary has said, the key to delivering enough aid to prevent famine is the use of Israel’s land corridors, so could my right hon. Friend confirm whether Israel will provide enough access to prevent a potential famine, and whether both Israel and Hamas are committed to continuing talks during the remaining 15 days of Ramadan, with the aim of moving towards a sustained ceasefire afterwards?

Question

After six months of bloodshed, starvation and the deliberate blocking of essential aid to Gaza, the UN Security Council has demanded an immediate ceasefire for the rest of Ramadan. However, 15 days is not long enough to deal with the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. Will the Minister heed the calls of this House and demand a permanent, lasting ceasefire? Can he explain how the ceasefire can be enforced if the UK Government are selling arms to the Israeli military?

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If there is even a chance that Israel is breaking international law by potentially committing war crimes and genocide, why will the UK Government not take all precautions to adhere to their obligations as a party to the genocide convention and arms trade treaty, and immediately cease arms exports to Israel?

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Can the Minister outline what conversations he and the Foreign Secretary are having with their counterparts in the United States to ensure that the UN resolution is implemented, and will the UK Government cease arming Israel?

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Can the Minister explain how such a resolution, which gives hope to the terrorists, will ever lead to the release of hostages and prevent future atrocities?

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What enforcement measures will be implemented by the Government to escalate pressure to stop Israel’s military assault, uphold the ceasefire and ensure emergency assistance?

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Will the Minister condemn from the Dispatch Box the recent announcement of 800 hectares of the west bank as Israeli state land? Surely this colonial-era land grab must be condemned and halted.

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What are the implications for future UK arms sales to Israel given that both sides are in conflict, breaching a UN Security Council resolution supported by the UK?

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If Israel continues to ignore the ruling of the UN’s highest body, should further sanctions be imposed until Israel respects the ceasefire and international law?

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Will the Minister consider stopping arms trade with Israel given Dutch court rulings, and that at least this House needs a standing committee to examine arms exports?

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Given evidence of UK-made arms being used in Gaza, and man-made famine violating human rights obligations, why have the Government not suspended arms sales to Israel? When will we see a report on this matter?

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Will the UK ensure there is no complicity with Israel's war machine in using UK air bases by F-35s or other military co-operation? Will funding to UNRWA be lifted, given Israeli allegations have largely been refuted?

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The MP questions the Minister on arms export licensing to Israel, especially in light of videos showing Israeli soldiers' actions. She asks if the Minister has seen these videos and whether he condemns them, and whether there is confidence that no British exports are used in criminal acts by IDF.

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The MP argues that only an immediate permanent ceasefire can offer a political horizon to Palestinians and expresses doubt about the statement's vision.

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The MP raises concerns about arms manufacturing and exports to Israel amid conflict, mentions meeting with Palestinians who have lost relatives, and asks for reassurance on the implementation of resolution 2728 by all parties.

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The MP questions whether Israel's control of Gaza borders justifies reviewing arms sales, given the restrictions on aid flow.

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The MP references previous statements about aid organisations' briefings, highlighting the scale of suffering and man-made famine in Gaza. She asks about restoring UNRWA funding.

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The MP questions Israel's compliance with international law and asks about further actions the Government can take.

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The MP asks if the Government will publish legal advice on breaches of international law by parties involved in the conflict, similar to past statements.

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The MP questions the effectiveness of words without action regarding adherence to international law and asks about consequences for war crimes.

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The MP questions the Government's position on ceasefire calls, welcoming a change but seeking clarity on implementation and consequences.

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The MP argues that Palestinians in Gaza lack power to influence their fate and asks about the Government's response if Israel ignores UN resolutions.

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The MP questions the release of legal advice on breaches of international law, citing precedents where such advice was released.

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The appalling deaths of children in Gaza have brought condemnation from around the world and immense psychological trauma to their families and friends. The figure has risen with the deaths of a further 1,000 children, so will he now answer my question and recognise that the killing of 13,000 children shows clear evidence of collective punishment?

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Does he anticipate that future air drops will increase in frequency until such time as the barriers to the delivery of aid via land are lifted?

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Does he not appreciate what Members are saying to him about the rule of law and the importance of the House abiding by the rule of law?

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We want to know what purpose those military personnel had, whether they have impeded the delivery of aid or perpetrated suffering against the people of Gaza, and how that complies with international humanitarian law?

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Will he put pressure on the Israeli Government to publish an official list and one that includes all the nutritional and medical aid that is needed?

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Will he confirm what discussions have taken place and what actions have been agreed to ascertain whether there is any assistance we can provide to ensure that Israel is in a position to safely end the conflict, having achieved security for their nation and their people?