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Question
What discussions has the Foreign Secretary had with his counterparts in the region to encourage restraint?
Minister reply
The minister reported having spoken directly to Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Pezeshkian, as well as making five visits to the Middle East in four months for diplomatic engagement.
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Question
Does the Foreign Secretary agree that Hezbollah's retreat from Lebanon must be a precondition for peace?
Minister reply
The minister did not provide a direct answer but emphasised the UK’s role in calling for ceasefires and supporting Lebanese sovereignty.
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Question
May I thank the Foreign Secretary for advance sight of his statement, and may I also thank the Foreign Office for its significant help with my visit to Ukraine at the end of last week? Israel’s response to the attack launched by Iran earlier this month has rightly been described as proportionate. The situation remains dangerously uncertain. We join the Government in urging restraint. What discussions has the Foreign Secretary had with his other counterparts in the region to encourage cool heads to prevail?
Minister reply
I thank the shadow Foreign Secretary for the tone of his remarks and for the cross-party support he gives to the Government in urging restraint and de-escalation in the region. I reassure him that I spoke with Secretary Blinken just two days ago about the context of the day after; about the necessary security guarantees that Israel would rightly expect; and about how we work with Arab partners—Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and others—to ensure that this ceasefire can hold and that the security guarantees and the necessary rebuilding of Gaza can properly begin.
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Question
I welcome the Foreign Secretary’s statement, but thousands of my constituents in Battersea want an end to this violence and to Israel’s siege in northern Gaza, not to mention the violence in the west bank. Tens of thousands of people have lost their lives, no aid is getting in and hospitals are being targeted. Is it not time to move away from condemning and to take stronger action: suspend any trade negotiations with Israel, implement a complete arms sale ban and ensure that goods produced in settlements in the west bank are also banned? Israel is ignoring all the condemnation by this Government.
Minister reply
I understand the strength of feeling that my dear friend expresses in relation to this matter, and the way that she has championed these issues on behalf of her constituents. The humanitarian situation is dire. As we head to the winter, the prospect of it getting worse is hard to fathom. But I do not agree with her on a full arms embargo, and the reason was exemplified by the attacks from Iran that Israel suffered on 1 October.
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Question
I thank the Foreign Secretary for advance sight of his statement. He has our full support in his efforts to engage with Iran and Israel to urge an end to the cycle of retaliatory violence. We continue to urge him to proscribe the IRGC. Can he confirm whether UK military assets and personnel played any part in Israel’s attack on Iran on Friday night? The relationship between Israel and Palestine remains the key to reducing tensions and creating the conditions for peace.
Minister reply
No UK troops were involved in the action by Israel a few nights ago. The hon. Gentleman raises the IRGC. I reassure him that the Home Secretary is conducting a state threats review at this time and that the IRGC is kept in mind in relation to those concerns.
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Question
Members from across the House condemned and mourned the deaths of more than 1,200 Israelis as a result of the 7 October attacks, and we all demand the immediate release of hostages still in Gaza. However, over 40,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, including well over 10,000 children. How is that in any way proportionate? What further tangible steps can my right hon. Friend take to publicly condemn and call out the Netanyahu regime?
Minister reply
There is a lot being done to alleviate humanitarian suffering, such as providing additional funding for UK-Med and match-funding the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal (£10 million). The Government supports Jordan's planning for aid airdrops and continues to press on food distribution issues.
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Question
Does the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office share my view that none of this dreadful cycle would have happened but for Iran’s determination? What assessment has the Department made of the possibility that one day the Iranian people will be able to free themselves of their regime?
Minister reply
Hamas is a proxy funded and supported by Iran, as are Hezbollah and the Houthis. The right hon. Gentleman is correct in placing Iran at the centre as the major threat to the region.
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Question
Does the Foreign Secretary agree with the UN’s Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator that the entire population of North Gaza is at risk of dying? What representations has he made to the Israeli Government?
Minister reply
I reminded the Israeli Government about 42,000 deaths; over 90% displacement; inability to ensure effective aid distribution; need for increased volumes and unrestricted aid flows; responsibility under international humanitarian law.
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Question
Given the billions Iran has spent on tunnels, missiles, and violence instead of health, building, and quality of life, is it time to proscribe Iran completely?
Minister reply
We are examining what bearing down means for a state causing such activity. This involves complex issues including our presence in that state.
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Question
Are third states obliged not to assist Israel's annihilation of Gazan people? Are devastating 2,000-lb bombs from the F-35 global supply chain continuing to destroy human beings?
Minister reply
We sell relatively few arms to Israel, about 1% of total amount; much is defensive. We have suspended licences for use in contravention of humanitarian law.
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Question
If the Israeli Government ignore pleadings and proceed with dismantling UNRWA, what will he do next? Will there be any consequences?
Minister reply
We hope the Knesset Bill is not implemented as it's not in Israel's interest to prevent aid organisation from working.
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Question
Will my right hon. Friend confirm that UK is working hard to persuade allies, particularly the US, to adopt position on arms exports to Israel?
Minister reply
UK has one of the most robust export licensing regimes. Decision was made due to risk that international humanitarian law would be breached.
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Question
Is the UN lying, exaggerating or embellishing the truth of what is going on in northern Gaza right now?
Minister reply
The UN is not embellishing; UK has suspended arms sales for use in Gaza.
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Question
Despite all the pleading, the Israeli Government ignore requests to allow aid into Gaza, stop destruction of Gaza and stop settler violence in West Bank? The Foreign Secretary has implemented sanctions against settlers. Will he extend these sanctions to members of the Israeli Government who promote violence in the West Bank? If Israel formally restricts UNRWA operations, should those responsible be sanctioned?
Minister reply
The Minister condemns vile language used by extremist elements within the Israeli Government and is reviewing potential further sanctions.
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Question
Can the Foreign Secretary lead discussions to ensure security in a two-state solution, given that Israel withdrew from Gaza but violence followed?
Minister reply
The UK continues to work towards a two-state solution with Arab partners like Saudi Arabia. Security concerns must be addressed for normalisation.
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Question
Does the Foreign Secretary agree that Israeli restrictions on humanitarian aid are unacceptable and should be lifted immediately?
Minister reply
Yes, 100%. Restrictions are unacceptable and condemned.
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Question
Should the Foreign Secretary cease military support to Israel, suspend export licences and impose a two-way arms embargo after Israeli forces destroyed Palestinian infrastructure?
Minister reply
Suspension of arms has been implemented for items that could be used in Gaza. The Minister stands by this decision.
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Question
What further action will the Government take to safeguard lives in northern Gaza and secure an immediate ceasefire?
Minister reply
Last week, the UK convened a UN Security Council meeting on humanitarian access. A statement urging Israel to step back on UNRWA decision was issued.
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Question
Does the Foreign Secretary agree that ensuring aid does not reach proxies like Hamas and Hezbollah is crucial?
Minister reply
Yes, efforts are made to ensure this. However, military effort alone won't end conflict; only politics can do so.
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Question
Will the UK use its role as UN Security Council chair in November to push for urgent progress on humanitarian access, protection of civilians, hostage release, and ceasefire?
Minister reply
The Minister will go to New York himself to press these issues at the UN.
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Question
Will the Foreign Secretary sanction Yair Golan, who justified starving Palestinians as legitimate, in addition to considering sanctions against Bezalel Smotrich?
Minister reply
Issues are being kept under review.
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Question
How is the exemption of offensive weaponry consistent with UK's international obligations? Have discussions been held on tracking and tracing F-35 components destined for Israel?
Minister reply
The carve-out for F-35s was made to save lives in other theatres, so this decision stands.
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Question
Does the Foreign Secretary agree that calling Israel's actions genocide is inappropriate and undermines the seriousness of such terms?
Minister reply
These are legal terms determined by international courts. Using them inappropriately undermines their seriousness.
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Question
Given that Knesset may vote to make UNRWA's operations difficult, should the UK consider sanctions against proponents of such action?
Minister reply
The Minister is reviewing potential further actions if restrictions are implemented by the Israeli Government.
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Question
Emily Damari, the last British hostage held in Gaza, was shot and abducted. The MP commends Mandy and her family for their efforts to release Emily. He asks if the Foreign Secretary will use the visit of a high-level Qatari delegation to arrange for Hamas to release all hostages.
Minister reply
The Minister thanks Bob Blackman for raising the issue of Emily Damari and confirms that he will raise it with Qatari officials during his meeting tomorrow.
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Question
Innocent civilians continue to die in Gaza despite calls for a ceasefire. The MP asks the Foreign Secretary if now is the time to do more.
Minister reply
The Minister states that they are working with allies, such as issuing statements on the humanitarian situation and UNRWA, and will continue efforts when chairing the UN Security Council next month.
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Question
The MP asks if the Foreign Secretary understands why Israel is considering targeting Iran directly instead of its proxies.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges Israel's restraint in recent weeks and believes that attacks on oil, gas, or nuclear sites would be escalatory.
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Question
More than 400,000 people have been displaced from Lebanon into Syria. The MP asks if the UK is providing additional support to women and girls fleeing this conflict.
Minister reply
The Minister confirms that the UK is supporting those fleeing Lebanon into Syria and acknowledges the fragile situation in both countries.
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Question
Joyce Msuya, UN humanitarian chief, warns of a risk to the entire population of North Gaza. The MP asks if it is time to suspend arms supplies to Israel.
Minister reply
The Minister reassures Jeremy Corbyn that they are supporting UK-Med and match-funding Disasters Emergency Committee funds and supports international humanitarian law.
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Question
Words are not enough to describe Gaza's devastation. The MP asks what the Minister is doing to expedite work of International Criminal Court and International Court of Justice.
Minister reply
The Minister confirms meeting with chief prosecutor recently, continues support for ICC, and emphasises rule of law and international humanitarian law.
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Question
While Iran has dialled back rhetoric, the MP asks how the Foreign Secretary will encourage Iranians to dial back actions against their own people.
Minister reply
The Minister had conversations with Iranian and Israeli foreign ministers about restraint, support for proxies, nuclear question, and snapback clause.
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Question
The MP asks for reassurances that the Government will take action to protect lives if Israel persists with plans to shut down UNRWA.
Minister reply
The Minister states that funding was restored to UNRWA, an additional £21 million given, and urges Israeli Government not to implement Knesset's plan.
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Question
A year ago, there were signs of improved relations in the Middle East. The MP asks what efforts are being made with Gulf state allies to counter Iranian activity.
Minister reply
The Minister speaks about air bridge proposal with Jordan, talks hostage and ceasefire deals with Qataris and Egyptians, and continues discussions with Saudi Arabia.
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Question
There is growing concern that Israel may attempt to illegally annex northern Gaza. The MP asks if these concerns have been raised with Israeli Government.
Minister reply
The Minister confirms raising those concerns, noting such action would be illegal and viewed seriously by the UK Government.
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Question
I have been contacted by constituents who are increasingly distressed about the scenes in Gaza, and there is growing concern about the rapidly deteriorating and utterly appalling situation in the north of Gaza. I urge the Foreign Secretary to ensure that the Government are using every measure available, including work with our international partners, to get a resolution to the situation and prioritise getting humanitarian aid and medical relief into Gaza, particularly the north?
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend for raising the work of our international partners, which is so important. That is why a few weeks ago, I joined the Canadian Foreign Minister, Mélanie Joly, in speaking to the Israelis, and it is also why I went to Israel with my French colleague to speak to the Israelis. Time and again, working in a co-ordinated way with allies produces a greater effect.
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Question
Iran’s monstrous state sponsorship of Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis is a fundamental driver of the conflict we see in Gaza, Lebanon and the Red sea respectively. Can my right hon. Friend confirm what steps the Government are taking to undermine Iran’s financial, military and logistical support for those terrorist proxies?
Minister reply
I can assure my hon. Friend that since coming into office, we have introduced three batches of sanctions against Iran. Over 450 nationals are now under UK sanctions.
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Question
I thank the Foreign Secretary for his statement. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic, so can he please update the House on the work that the Government are doing to provide more aid and to ensure that it gets to those who need it?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is right: the humanitarian situation is dire. That is why I was at pains to emphasise what we are doing. It was important that we led the way on getting the pause so that children could be vaccinated against polio. I was very distressed to see that pause broken just a few days ago, and we are urging for it to be resumed once more so that those children can get their second vaccination dose. That is why the work of UK-Med is very important; it is why the current DEC appeal is also very important; and it is why we will continue to support people who are sick and injured to be evacuated from the area.
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Question
The suffering of the people of Palestine and northern Gaza is truly horrific. Every day, children are not just being bombed: they are being starved. That is not the kind of treatment we would expect for our children, let alone any other country’s children, so does the Foreign Secretary agree that it is time Israel ceased using food, hunger and siege as weapons of war—all contrary to international law—and for it to be given that message loud and clear by this House?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. He will recall that when I suspended sales of arms that could be used in Gaza, the criterion under our regime was a clear risk that there could be a breach of international humanitarian law. When I was looking at the assessments, I kept coming back to humanitarian access as the clear risk, so my hon. Friend is right: we have tremendous concerns about the inability to get aid in, the restrictions that Israel is putting in place, and the man-made starvation that is now coming about as a result.