House of Commons · Urgent Question
02 April 2025 · 46 other contributors
Opened by Carla Denyer Green Bristol Central
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Carla Denyer raised concerns about gaza israeli military operations 2025-04-02 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 that the UK does not support Israel's expanded military operations in Gaza, and will he undertake a structural investigation into genocide and other crimes under international law committed in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories? Will he also suspend all direct and indirect supply of weapons to Israel?
Question
Does the Minister recognise that what Israel is doing is genocide, and will he undertake a structural investigation into crimes under international law committed in the Occupied Palestinian Territories?
Minister reply
Determinations of breaches of international law are for competent courts. We support those courts in their work.
Question
Will the Minister suspend all direct and indirect supply of weapons to Israel?
Minister reply
We continue to stand by our assessments made in September, including the suspension of licenses where necessary.
Question
Will the Minister oppose current and planned attempts by Israel to establish a permanent military presence in Gaza?
Minister reply
We welcome the Arab initiative for reconstruction of Gaza, which allows Palestinians to rebuild their lives without forced displacement.
Question
What is plan B when Israel ends the ceasefire or annexes parts of the West Bank or Gaza?
Minister reply
There can be no plan B; a two-state solution must involve compliance with international humanitarian law.
Question
What direct Minister-to-Minister discussions have taken place about the current military operations?
Minister reply
The Foreign Secretary has been directly involved in Minister-to-Minister contact, including with Israeli counterparts.
Question
What progress has the Minister made on unblocking aid access to Gaza?
Minister reply
Efforts have been made to increase aid flow into Gaza, but restrictions still exist and more must be done.
Question
What is the Government’s plan for reconstruction in Gaza?
Minister reply
The Arab initiative is a plan with merit, provided it does not allow Hamas to have a role in government.
Question
Will the Minister update the House on conversations regarding ceasefire restoration? What is being done to hold those who attack aid workers accountable and protect remaining aid workers in Gaza?
Minister reply
We want accountability when humanitarian workers are struck. The Israeli Military Advocate General should investigate at a proper speed and come to findings to determine criminal charges. We support the two-state solution, but our efforts must focus on restoring basic functioning of Palestinian life.
Question
Will the Government look again at stopping all settlement goods coming into the UK to ensure there remains a viable path to a two-state solution?
Minister reply
The UK considers settlements illegal under international law. Settlement goods must be properly labelled and do not benefit from trading regimes that would otherwise apply to both Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Question
What leverage does the UK actually have over Israel?
Minister reply
The Israelis must be persuaded to relent from a course of action that undermines long-term stability in the region, which is important not just for Israel and Palestine but also for the UK and its allies.
Question
What diplomatic efforts are being made to try to create moderate leadership in the region that can establish long-term circumstances for peace and reconciliation?
Minister reply
We want to support connections between societies at the most local level necessary for making peace, as seen in Northern Ireland. We will set out what we will do to support peacebuilding efforts.
Question
What would constitute an actual breach of international humanitarian law?
Minister reply
Ministers act as not courts. There are competent international courts that make such determinations.
Question
Will the Minister update us on plans for the international plan for peace for Israelis and Palestinians?
Minister reply
The hostages must be released, and Hamas can play no role in the future governance of Gaza. We want to carefully consider how best we can contribute to peacebuilding.
Question
Does the Minister agree that Hamas could end the war now by releasing Avinatan and all remaining hostages, and will he assure Ditza that all avenues are being pursued for his release?
Minister reply
We are doing everything we can to secure his release.
Question
Does the Minister agree that what Israel is doing in Gaza is reaching new uncharted territory, and when will he be able to come to the House to outline what action will be taken?
Question
The MP asked for immediate action to support a ceasefire and questioned why arms sales had not been suspended. She shared personal stories from constituents highlighting the dire situation on the ground.
Minister reply
Mr Falconer responded that decisions regarding arms sales are based on principles concerning international humanitarian law and Israel's security needs. He confirmed ongoing discussions with allies, including the US, to address the issues raised.
Question
The MP asked what pressure the Government is putting on the US to ensure Israel ends its aid blockade and highlighted the weaponisation of starvation in Gaza.
Minister reply
Mr Falconer stated that discussions with the US focus on ending the aid blockade urgently. He confirmed ongoing dialogue with various American officials to address these concerns.
Question
The MP urged the Minister to bring a sense of urgency and asked about the Government's actions to ensure Israel stops bombing Gaza.
Minister reply
Mr Falconer assured that issues are treated with urgency, acknowledging reports of humanitarian needs and emphasising ongoing efforts to address these concerns.
Question
The MP questioned the Government's representations to Israel about Israeli aggression and new settlements in the West Bank.
Minister reply
Mr Falconer assured that both risks of returning to war and issues concerning settlements are raised directly with the Israeli Government.
Question
The MP welcomed the Minister’s reply but expressed concern about the lack of progress, suggesting recognition of Palestine as a state.
Minister reply
Mr Falconer recognised the need for hope and stated that the UK will continue to work towards returning to a ceasefire path.
Question
The MP echoed previous concerns about the same responses being given repeatedly, asking what more action would be taken.
Minister reply
Mr Falconer acknowledged constituents' views and stated that concrete actions have been taken since becoming Government, including aid restoration, arms suspension measures, sanctions on settlers, and use of UN Security Council position.
Question
The MP asked if the Minister agreed with the Foreign Secretary’s assessment that both sides were guilty of committing atrocities.
Minister reply
Mr Falconer clarified that on determining crimes, courts handle this, but on risks, actions are taken.
Question
The MP affirmed the illegality of Israel's occupation according to international law and asked if the UK would suspend military cooperation.
Minister reply
Mr Falconer acknowledged the illegal status of Israeli settlements but stated that a full response to the ICJ’s advisory opinion requires time.
Question
The MP suggested involving Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the Gulf in a peace deal that could bring hostages home.
Minister reply
Mr Falconer confirmed support for returning all hostages and based reconstruction on the Arab initiative with full regional involvement.
Question
Mr Wilson questioned whether the UK should recognise Israel's right to self-defence and expressed concern that aid may be used to prop up Hamas. He urged for more action to ensure hostages are released.
Minister reply
Lord Falconer agreed with Mr Wilson regarding Israel's right to legitimate self-defence consistent with international humanitarian law, but also stated concerns about breaches of IHL. He reiterated that where there are reports that Hamas benefits from aid, serious actions are taken.
Question
Ms Creasy urged the UK to uphold international law in practice and questioned why they were not doing more. She asked for clarity on what it would take to make a referral to the International Criminal Court.
Minister reply
Lord Falconer explained that decisions regarding referrals to the ICC are made based on the fullness of time required by the ICJ and the timelines set forth by international legal orders.
Question
Mr George criticised Lord Falconer for not speaking plainly and accused him of embroidering language when referring to breaches of IHL. He expressed concern about the actions of the Israeli Government.
Minister reply
Lord Falconer clarified that they are looking into the determinations of law through courts rather than making such determinations themselves from the Dispatch Box.
Question
Ms Siddiq raised concerns about women and girls in Gaza, particularly regarding supplies for female hygiene products and medical facilities. She asked what actions were being taken to end the aid blockade.
Minister reply
Lord Falconer confirmed that they have raised these issues with the Israeli Government and assured Ms Siddiq of their commitment to ensuring British nationals' safety.
Question
Mr Adam questioned whether the UK is doing everything it can, especially in terms of calling out genocide and ethnic cleansing and imposing sanctions.
Minister reply
Lord Falconer reiterated that they are doing everything possible within their legal framework to bring about a ceasefire.
Question
Mr Asser expressed frustration with the deteriorating situation in Gaza and questioned if firmer immediate action is required.
Minister reply
Lord Falconer stated that they hope to return with news of a ceasefire, which he believes would be crucial for advancing towards a two-state solution.
Question
Mr Forster asked about the number of British aid workers in Gaza and what tangible steps will be taken to guarantee their safety.
Minister reply
Lord Falconer stated that he does not believe he is in a position to confirm the current number of British nationals in Gaza as aid workers.
Question
Ms Butler raised concerns about military support provided to Israel and urged for immediate steps to demonstrate the UK's commitment to upholding international law.
Minister reply
Lord Falconer reiterated that they are not providing parts for bombs, but elaborated on the provisions set out regarding arms suspension.
Question
Ms Medi highlighted evidence of Israel's use of starvation as a method of war and called for immediate steps to demonstrate commitment to international law.
Minister reply
Lord Falconer did not provide a direct response to this question.
Question
Given the high death toll and continued violence, what specific actions can the Government take to prevent further damage: stop trade, impose sanctions, or recognise Palestine?
Minister reply
Ultimately it is diplomacy that will resolve this conflict. That is the lever to which we must most vigorously apply ourselves.
Question
What would be the Minister's response if the UK closed its airbase in Cyprus, imposed sanctions and recognised Palestine?
Minister reply
It is hard enough to respond to the facts as they are. I will not be drawn by my hon. Friend into such a complex chain of hypotheticals.
Question
What steps have been taken with the UN to secure the release of hostages from Hamas and what actions are being taken to address daily rocket firings?
Minister reply
We have worked with our partners in the region, the Israeli Government, the US, and many others to try to secure the safe release of all those with UK links who have been held hostage. We want to see all hostages released.
Question
What more can be done to stop the killing of innocent Palestinians, ensure aid reaches Gaza and secure the release of remaining hostages?
Minister reply
We have taken firm and far-reaching steps on the suspension of arms, restoration of funding to UNRWA, using our role on the Security Council and raising these issues forcefully with the Israeli Government.
Question
What are the specific actions being taken by the UK to prevent genocide in Gaza?
Minister reply
We have set out risks and concerns about breaches of international law, restored funding to UNRWA, used our role on the Security Council, raised these questions forcefully with the Israeli Government and all relevant regional partners.
Question
What are the red lines regarding Israel's conduct in this war and how will they prevent further breaches of international law?
Minister reply
Our position on the conduct of war is that taken by international humanitarian law. We have set out risks and our concerns about breaches, and continue to take actions that are in line with our assessment.
Question
When will the Government impose sanctions on Israel given its ongoing violations of international law?
Minister reply
Of course, every day we see the horror in Gaza and ask ourselves what more can be done to ensure this goes in the direction of our policy.
Question
What actions will the Government take if Israel forcibly transfers Palestinians or annexes Palestinian territory?
Minister reply
We continue to oppose forced displacement of the Palestinians. We do not support the expansion of military operations by Israel announced this morning.
Question
What steps should be taken to improve the situation on the ground for Palestinians and Israelis?
Minister reply
We see with our own eyes the horror in Gaza every day, and ask ourselves what we can do to try to ensure this goes in the direction of our policy.
Question
When will the Government impose serious sanctions on Israel for its ongoing war crimes?
Minister reply
We have taken steps and issued sanctions, and I will continue to return to this House with further updates.
Question
What more can be done through diplomatic efforts to ensure humanitarian aid reaches Gaza and support the Arab initiative?
Minister reply
We will continue to work with our partners who are party to the Arab initiative, and indeed our partners in the United Nations Security Council.
Question
Does the Government recognise Israel’s plan for large-scale forced evacuations in Gaza as ethnic cleansing?
Government Response
We are deeply concerned about the resumption of hostilities in Gaza. The UK does not support an expansion of Israel’s military operations. Continued fighting and more bloodshed is in nobody’s interest. All parties, including Israel, must observe international humanitarian law. We urge all parties to return to dialogue and ceasefire negotiations, ensuring the return of all who have endured unimaginable suffering. Aid should never be used as a political tool; Israel must restart the flow of aid immediately. Blocking goods supplies and power from entering Gaza risks breaching international humanitarian law, and it should not be happening. We are doing everything we can to alleviate that situation. The Government is appalled at recent attacks on aid workers and supports effective deconfliction mechanisms. Since hostilities resumed, the Foreign Secretary has spoken extensively with various authorities to address these issues. A return to a ceasefire is essential for peace in the region.