House of Commons · Urgent Question
07 January 2025 · 51 other contributors
Opened by Layla Moran LD Oxford West and Abingdon
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Layla Moran raised concerns about northern gaza 2025-01-07 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Will the Minister confirm the UK's position on the situation in northern Gaza, where over 450 days of conflict have led to the deaths of more than 45,000 Palestinians, widespread famine risks for 2.3 million people, and ongoing humanitarian crises? What further actions is the government taking to address these dire conditions?
Question
What specific actions will the UK take to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza? This includes recognising Palestine, stopping arms trade with Israel, banning trading with illegal settlements, and deploying more aid.
Minister reply
The Government is doing everything possible to alleviate suffering in Gaza. We are reducing weapons sales related to conflicts, increasing aid through various organisations, and engaging in diplomatic efforts for long-term solutions.
Question
What role is the UK playing in convening post-conflict discussions and what does the Minister see as a viable, long-term resolution for Gaza?
Minister reply
The UK is actively involved in diplomatic efforts to ensure that there is consensus on how to govern Gaza under Palestinian authority safely. We are taking a different approach from previous governments by immediately calling for ceasefires and increasing aid.
Question
What recent engagement has the UK had with Israel regarding the delivery of aid to Gaza? How is the Foreign Office identifying new routes for aid delivery, and what discussions are taking place about hostage releases?
Minister reply
The special representative for humanitarian affairs continues dialogue on aid delivery, and various routes have been discussed including those through al-Arish in North Sinai. The Minister acknowledges ongoing discussions but emphasises that Israel controls the crossings and holds primary responsibility.
Question
What assessment has the Minister made of Israel’s actions in the Netzarim corridor, where Palestinians were forcibly removed and designated as 'kill zones' with civilians at risk? What are we doing to document and stop these alleged war crimes?
Minister reply
My Department takes careful stock of all reports, including those about the Netzarim corridor. We have concluded recent assessments and updated the House on them. We raise these issues with the Israeli government emphasising their obligations under international humanitarian law.
Question
What consequences did the Minister spell out to the Israelis for failing to meet their obligations regarding healthcare in northern Gaza? Will he look again at a full ban on arms sales?
Minister reply
I have raised the matter with Israeli officials, emphasising their obligations under international humanitarian law. Regarding arms sales, we have taken principled steps and keep this under review.
Question
What will the Government do to ensure that Israel is held accountable for its actions against civilians and healthcare provision?
Minister reply
We are clear in our expectations regarding health provision. We raise these issues publicly and privately, emphasising international obligations under humanitarian law.
Question
Is the Minister ashamed of British foreign policy that seems to value Palestinian lives less than others? Why are they not taking more significant steps?
Minister reply
I will take lessons about shame from those who criticise, but on this issue, we deal with it soberly. We condemn illegal settlements and support international law.
Question
Will the Minister confirm that Israel must allow Palestinians to return to northern Gaza and that any further settlements there would be illegal?
Minister reply
We confirm that Palestinians should travel freely between north and south Gaza, with no more illegal settlements. We will continue to condemn such actions.
Question
Does the Minister acknowledge what is happening in northern Gaza as a campaign of ethnic cleansing?
Minister reply
We are clear about our deep concerns regarding healthcare provision, aid access, detentions, and transparency for detained individuals.
Question
Besides rhetorical support for international courts, what will the Government do to gather evidence and ensure justice and accountability?
Minister reply
This government has done more than rhetoric. We provide extensive funding for organisations like the ICC to pursue justice without fear or favour.
Question
Does the Minister agree that unconditional talks give terrorists no incentive to release hostages?
Minister reply
Hamas are terrorists and they should release the hostages immediately.
Question
Given that nothing has changed in a year regarding the conflict in northern Gaza, does the Minister genuinely believe that continuing to arm the IDF was moral and legal?
Minister reply
If words are to have meaning, clearly our policy is different from that of those on the Opposition Benches. The Palestinians cannot wait. We are doing everything we can. We have been calling for an immediate ceasefire since we came into government.
Question
Please can we have an extra push to get the ceasefire deal over the line?
Minister reply
We must and will spare no effort and will strain every sinew to try to do what we can to advance the ceasefire as quickly as possible. The current situation is not good enough.
Question
Will the Minister set out what consequential steps the UK will take if legislation to ban UNRWA comes into effect?
Minister reply
We have raised those vital questions with the Israeli Government. We did so over the course of the break. I myself have met Commissioner-General Lazzarini, and I will be saying more about UNRWA in the coming weeks.
Question
What can we do to stop the systemic dismantling of hospitals in Gaza?
Minister reply
We are distressed by the scenes in northern Gaza and by the circumstances that hon. Members have described. We will continue to work as hard as we can, both in relation to UNRWA and directly with the Israeli Government, to try to ensure that the aid provision, including medical provision, is provided with urgency.
Question
Will the Minister confirm that the UK Government have an independent foreign policy on Israel and Gaza?
Minister reply
Britain has an independent foreign policy set by the Foreign Office Ministers and the Prime Minister. Of course, for this Government the value of a Palestinian life is exactly the same as that of an Israeli life.
Question
Will the Minister confirm that Israel’s actions in Gaza have breached international law?
Minister reply
We are following the situation closely. I raised the circumstances of those hospitals with the Deputy Foreign Minister on 23 December.
Question
Will the Government change their position and identify that Israel’s actions in Gaza are genocidal?
Minister reply
Determinations of genocide and war crimes are properly matters for international courts, so I will not comment further on determination questions. We have taken action in relation to arms, aid and diplomatic pressure on the Israelis.
Question
Have the Government finally accepted the ICJ’s advisory opinion?
Minister reply
We are still considering what was a complex and far-reaching judgment with significant horizontal legal implications. We continue to take a position consistent with international law, condemning illegal settlements.
Question
When pressure on Israel fails to deliver, is there a plan?
Minister reply
We raise those issues with force. There are consequences for sustained breaches of international humanitarian law, but it would be inappropriate for me to comment in too much detail on how we conduct diplomatic relations.
Question
Will the Government ban entry of eight Knesset members openly calling for the extermination of Palestinians?
Minister reply
We are clear that obligations under international humanitarian law, and diplomatic obligations, fall on the Israeli Government. We welcome the opportunity to make a brief comment on the proceedings of the Knesset.
Question
Aid access is non-existent for Palestinians in north Gaza. Over the past two months, the UN has made over 160 attempts to reach the civilians in north Gaza, with almost zero access, and we have heard that babies have frozen to death... In October, the Prime Minister said that “the world will not tolerate any more excuses on humanitarian assistance”... so what further action have we taken to ensure that the assistance gets to the people who need it?
Minister reply
As I have set out this afternoon, we have taken further action, including further funding in December for UNRWA. However, to be straightforward with my hon. Friend and with the House, the further action we have taken has not had the effect we would wish, which is clearly that greater aid reaches the Palestinians.
Question
Many of my constituents are deeply worried about the intolerable suffering of the people in Gaza, but at this moment they are particularly worried about the ban on UNRWA, which will come into force at the end of the month... The Minister’s previous answer on UNRWA was simply not good enough. Where is the urgency to do something about this, making an assessment of what it means if no more humanitarian aid is being delivered through UNRWA?
Minister reply
I am sorry that my answers were not to the hon. Member’s taste... We have repeatedly been clear with the Israelis, UNRWA and the wider UN system, privately and publicly, about the vital role of UNRWA.
Question
The Minister has expressed his frustration and distress... Over the Christmas period, while we have been celebrating with our families, we have witnessed scenes of children starving and freezing to death as a result of Israeli actions... The only solution we have seen in the past is a total isolation of a country, economically and militarily, to prevent it from performing war crimes in the way that Israel has. Why are we not expelling the Israeli ambassador?
Minister reply
I thank my right hon. Friend for his question, and recognise the anguish in his voice about the scenes coming out of Gaza over the winter period... We will continue to make that disagreement clear through all channels.
Question
What further evidence does the Minister need to conclude that war crimes are being committed in Gaza and that a genocide is taking place, and how can he continue to justify the export of any arms to Israel, given that it risks making us complicit in the systematic destruction of healthcare in Gaza?
Minister reply
I refer the hon. Member to my previous answer on the question of legal determinations about genocide... In relation to arms, I want once again to reassure the House that the measures we have taken regarding arms licences are far-reaching.
Question
UNICEF reports that at least 17,000 children in Gaza are unaccompanied... Continual bombardment from Israeli forces makes family reunification impossible. Will the Minister commit to insisting that the Israeli Government honour a ceasefire and allow full access to aid and supplies? If not, why are we not considering an arms ban and further sanctions to end this violence before there are no more vulnerable people left to protect?
Minister reply
We are pressing the Israeli Government on a ceasefire... My hon. Friend raises the vital question of injured children in Gaza... The Government are keeping these issues under review.
Question
Last Saturday morning, a constituent came to my surgery to discuss the situation in Gaza. She reminded me that she had previously visited my surgery exactly a year ago to discuss the same situation... Does the Minister agree that the continued bombardment of Gaza by the Israelis is not of itself going to deliver that? If he agrees, has he made that very clear to the Israelis?
Minister reply
I regret that the situation does not remain the same a year on. As we have heard, the situation in Gaza... It is clear that the only way to get a lasting, safer, more secure region for Palestinians, Israelis, Lebanese, Yemenis and many others is a proper diplomatic solution.
Question
The case for further British action to protect Gazan civilians is unanswerable. Is the Government’s moral integrity being damaged by their inaction?
Minister reply
Perhaps the hon. Member could be a bit clearer about what further action this Government could be taking to try to protect Palestinian civilians. We are raising these issues—
Question
Can the Minister confirm and clarify today whether UK-made drones that were exported to Israel before September 2024 are being used to shoot civilians, including children?
Minister reply
I am familiar with the testimony of Professor Nizam Mamode, and I saw his videos from when he was in Gaza. He is an impressive surgeon and a friend to many in this Chamber, and his testimony is harrowing. On the drones, I want to be clear that the suspension of arms licences would cover exactly that activity.
Question
Could he perhaps explain what the consequences will be if the Israeli Government fail to listen?
Minister reply
Ensuring adequate provision of medical assistance is an obligation that falls on the Israeli Government. We are clear about the status of these facilities under international humanitarian law, and we continue to raise these issues with force.
Question
Is it his testimony that Israel is impeding access at the borders by the way in which it is controlling them?
Minister reply
On aid access, my hon. Friend is of course right that these questions are relevant to determinations of international humanitarian law. When we set out the assessment that underlined our action on the arms suspensions, we made particular reference to the provision of aid into the occupied territories in Gaza, and I refer her to that statement.
Question
What is stopping that happening now?
Minister reply
I am a Foreign Office Minister and I do not treat in thoughts and prayers—this House of course feels united in our anguish about what we are seeing in Gaza—but what we do in the Foreign Office is seek diplomatically to advance a political solution, with an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages and, of course, a two-state solution.
Question
Will the Minister condemn Hamas’s refusal to secure humanitarian access to the remaining hostages?
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend for his question and I know how much time he has spent with hostage families over recent months. I do condemn both Hamas’s refusal to release the hostages, with British nationals and UK-linked persons among them, and the lack of access for the ICRC and other medical agencies.
Question
Will he look at other measures such as targeted sanctions in order to bring this forward?
Minister reply
The hon. Member mentions a fire engine that the FBU has generously donated to try to contribute to relief efforts in Palestine. That issue had been raised by my own colleagues in advance of his doing so.
Question
Do those diplomatic efforts have to involve Israel?
Minister reply
We have to be straightforward about the situation in Israel and Palestine at the moment. There are Occupied Palestinian Territories that have illegal settlements and an IDF presence.
Question
May I return to the issue of UNRWA? Philippe Lazzarini, its head, visited Parliament just before Christmas and was very clear about the consequences if its operations are banned. There will be an impact on the provision of schools and primary healthcare, as well as on a number of municipal services that it delivers in Gaza. May I urge the Minister to continue to take action on this matter, and to be clear that there will be consequences for the Israeli Government if they carry out this ban?
Minister reply
I have met with commissioner-general Lazzarini and discussed the implications of Knesset votes banning UNRWA. We are clear about the role UNRWA plays both practically at a large scale and as mandated by the UN, and we will continue to be so.
Question
Women who can get access to hospital provision in northern Gaza are undergoing C-sections without any anaesthetic, and new mothers—180 every day—are struggling to find clean water to provide formula for their new babies or continue breastfeeding. The United Nations has made three attempts in the last three days to reach Gaza but has been refused every time. What consequences can Israel expect from this Government if it continues to ignore international law and the urgent requirement to get the care that is needed for women and children in Gaza?
Minister reply
The situation for new mothers, expectant mothers, and vulnerable Palestinians is appalling and needs to change urgently. We raise concerns about breaches of international humanitarian law with Israel publicly and privately and will continue to do so until the situation improves.
Question
Israel’s conduct in this war is not just an attack on the people of Palestine; it is an attack on the international rules-based approach, the international community and the United Nations. Although I accept that the Minister is right to say that this Government are doing more than their predecessor, can he specify why the UK Government’s current policy is not to have sanctions, even against occupied territory products? Even if that is under review, why is that the Government’s policy at this moment?
Minister reply
We stand for a rules-based international order. We have put sanctions on those operating in Occupied Palestinian Territories where they are conducting illegal settlements or perpetuating violence against Palestinians. These measures are under review.
Question
The Minister said at the outset that “the UK is doing all we can to alleviate this suffering” in Gaza, but does he really think that? The Government are not even tracking British components for F-35 fighter jets used in northern Gaza.
Minister reply
Where we can track components directly for F-35s, arms licences have been suspended. Where our components are part of a global supply chain and measures to restrict their onward sale would impact the overall F-35 function, carve-outs are made proportionately.
Question
The new year has seen an intensification of attacks on civilians, including medical staff, in northern Gaza. The UK Government’s response does not appear to have changed. Does he agree that recognition should be the first step in raising our game?
Minister reply
In relation to recognition, the Israeli Government do not have a veto over whether we recognise a Palestinian state or when we do so. However, talks with Israel about a two-state solution will be necessary for a sustainable resolution.
Question
Does the Minister agree that the only way to preserve peace and stability in north Gaza is to ensure the complete dismantling and destruction of the Hamas terrorist network, which is a threat to Israeli and Palestinian civilians? What measures will the UK Government put in place to support a sustainable peace framework?
Minister reply
Hamas are a terrorist group with no future role in Gaza or the Occupied Palestinian Territories. They pose a threat not just to Israel. We are talking with our counterparts about reaching a future Gaza that provides for safety and security of Israel, while addressing humanitarian needs.
Question
Israel is ignoring international law, the world’s top court’s rulings, and the United Nations. If the Minister is serious about stopping its genocidal war, the Government must act with widespread sanctions, including ending all arms exports, such as parts for jets bombing Gaza, and imposing trade sanctions on Israel. Why won’t the Government do this?
Minister reply
I confirm that we remain opposed to war crimes anywhere they occur and will put in place sanctions where we feel it can prevent war crimes.
Question
What steps will the Minister take to ensure that Israel abides by its responsibility under international law to protect medical staff and access to healthcare?
Minister reply
I reiterate, to reassure the House about some of the steps we are taking, that I have raised with the Israeli Government the hospitals and people mentioned in many questions today, and will continue to do so.
Question
What consequences on Israel will there be for the forced evacuation of Kamal Adwan hospital and disruption of medical services?
Minister reply
As I have said over the course of the afternoon, we are raising those hospitals and the overall question of medical provision with the Israelis, and will continue to do so.
Question
What reassurances can the Minister give that the UK will continue to lead for peace and aid access under new world leadership?
Minister reply
The UK will continue to press with our allies for proper aid access and an immediate ceasefire. This is important regardless of other views, reflecting the force of feeling from constituencies across the House.
Question
When may we expect updates on sanctions against Israeli officials for supporting illegal resettlement in Gaza?
Minister reply
We try not to trail sanctions decisions before they are taken. We want no further illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including both west bank and Gaza strip.
Question
What steps can the Government take to protect what remains of Gaza’s healthcare system?
Minister reply
We will continue to raise these issues, but we fear that there is not a sufficient medical system in Gaza to fully protect civilians. We remain committed to ensuring changes rapidly.
Question
Will the Minister reiterate our call for aid workers to never be targets, and outline steps to ensure accountability when such incidents occur?
Minister reply
We continue to press for proper legal processes in Israel for investigating and holding accountable those who kill aid workers. British nationals among the killed since 7 October are particularly close to my heart.
Question
How can the Government say Britain is doing everything it can for peace when we continue to sell arms to Israel?
Minister reply
I have a responsibility, as do others, to ensure Britain’s national security. This includes not bringing down complex programmes like the F-35 where that would undermine international peace and security.
Question
Have we not reached the stage where the UK should immediately end all arms trade and exports with Israel? The intensification of Israeli air strikes in Gaza is causing a humanitarian crisis, leading to no fully functioning hospitals remaining in Gaza.
Minister reply
We have taken far-reaching action by excluding licenses that contribute to a risk of breach of international humanitarian law. We are focusing on weapons that could be used in breaches and safeguarding Britain’s national security, including the F-35 programme.
Government Response
The situation in northern Gaza is indeed dire with close to 46,000 deaths reported. The UK strongly condemns Israel's restrictions on aid and raises concerns about medical facilities being inaccessible or non-operational. We have provided £112 million for the Occupied Palestinian Territories this financial year, including support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNWRA). The UK is working with international partners to ensure that Gaza is not cut off from the south, civilians are protected, hostages are released, and aid increases.