Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories 2025-06-04

The scenes emanating from Gaza are harrowing and the suffering is intolerable. Britain must use its influences at every level and bring all allies together to help stop the endless suffering, get more aid in, see hostages released and achieve a proper, sustainable end to the conflict.

We have been here countless times before. Last week, Israel approved 22 further settlements in the west bank which is a deliberate policy of annexation and genocide. Will the Government now take steps to prevent this, such as recognition of Palestine and sanctions on extremist Israeli Government Ministers?

Further contributions by Calum Miller are not provided in the given text.

The UK Government's issue is with Netanyahu’s Government and their statements and actions. The powers of the Foreign Office are not set by an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice, but international law is abided by in all that we do.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a group of private security employees, undercuts Israel's duty to the people in Gaza. The UK Government has still not given their response to the ICJ’s advisory opinion stating that Israel’s policies and practices are contrary to the prohibition of forcible transfer of the protected population.

The situation in Gaza is worsening, with 22 new settlements announced and civilians endangered through aid distribution methods. The Government's actions are inadequate to address the crisis.

102 Palestinians have been killed in just eight days, seeking food amidst dangerous conditions set by Israeli measures for aid delivery. What discussions is the Minister having with his Israeli counterpart about ensuring protection of civilians accessing lifesaving aid?

The balance has shifted due to territorial changes in the west bank and statements from members of the Israeli Government, prompting a reconsideration of the UK's position on recognising Palestine.

It is time to stop arming Israel completely. The collaborative pool under NATO should not be used as a route for supplying weapons to Israel, or at least influence partners in the pool to cease such practices.

The Minister emphasised that aid availability is not an issue, but rather Israel's blockade prevents humanitarian assistance from reaching Gaza. He stated the UK would take further actions if Israel does not cease military operations and lift restrictions on aid delivery.

She called for immediate sanctions against Benjamin Netanyahu and other figures responsible for war crimes in Gaza. She urged the Minister to provide a concrete date for imposing such sanctions.

He expressed frustration with the Government's lack of action, urging them to use an air route from Cyprus to deliver aid to Gaza immediately. He also mentioned that four MPs tried to deliver a letter calling for recognition of Palestine but were not allowed.

He highlighted the risk of genocide in Gaza as per the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court, and questioned if the Minister has been notified of a serious risk, urging the Government to take necessary steps.

He criticised the Minister for providing ambiguity on further actions, including sanctions. He asked why it is consistent to condemn starving civilians while allowing components for bombing to be provided to Israel.

He supported the Minister's call for a ceasefire and expressed regret that Hamas rejected the Witkoff framework proposals. He urged both sides to make humanitarian aid available and reach a ceasefire as soon as possible.

He demanded clarity on what further steps mean, stating that studied ambiguity has had no impact on Israeli policy.

She expressed frustration over the lack of action from the international community. She urged the Minister to build an international consensus for Palestine recognition, emphasising that this conflict is measured in days.

She asked the Minister to publish a genocide risk assessment without delay and requested clear answers regarding the UK's obligation under international law to prevent genocide.

She highlighted the urgent need for action, citing specific examples like the remaining kidney dialysis unit in Gaza. She urged clearer guidance on sanctions and an end to weapons support.

The hon. Member for Mid Buckinghamshire argued that simply calling on Hamas to return to negotiating tables is insufficient, emphasising that Hamas's intransigence was the primary obstacle to a ceasefire and the release of hostages.

The hon. Member for Liverpool West Derby cited statements by the UN human rights chief Volker Türk regarding Palestinians being forced into an impossible choice between starvation or risking death to access food, urging the Government to take concrete actions.

The hon. Member for Esher and Walton highlighted Israel's alternative aid scheme as dangerous, unworkable, and insufficient, questioning what new pressure will be brought to bear on Israel and insisting on independent media access to Gaza.

The hon. Member for Brent East expressed frustration over the lack of recognition of Palestine and condemned Israeli settlement expansion, calling for a strong debate about sanctions against Israel and support for Palestinians.

The right hon. Member for The Wrekin detailed the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza due to inadequate aid distribution and called for more aid stations to be established by the UN or another trusted organisation.

The hon. Member for Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North criticised Netanyahu's Government, called for an end to trade deals with Israel, and sought confirmation that a Foreign Office Minister would appear before the Business and Trade Committee.

The hon. Member for Ynys Môn described the situation in Gaza as genocide and demanded actions to prevent further dismantling of the healthcare system.

The hon. Member for Birmingham Hall Green and Moseley questioned the Government's efforts on suspending trade with Israel, seeking actions to prevent further human rights violations and expressing support for invoking Article 6 of the UN Charter.

Asked the Minister for a plan to convince Israel that aid will reach those in need instead of being diverted by Hamas.

Questioned whether the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation is capable of addressing starvation and urged immediate handover of aid operations to the UN.

Highlighted the plight of Ward Jalal, a six-year-old girl who survived a school fire while her family perished. Criticised the Government for finding only one breach in 413 cases reviewed.

Critiqued the Minister's lack of clarity and called on him to rule out immediate recognition of Palestine, sanctions, and resolution of the F-35 deal.

Asked if sanctions against extremist Government Ministers and formal recognition of a Palestinian state are being considered as next steps.

Emphasised the unacceptability of pairing aid with military objectives and asked for assurance that this will be taken on board in future decisions.

Asked about comfort regarding the use of exported military equipment by Israel, expressing concern over settlements expansion and worsening conditions for Palestinians.

Pressed the Minister on the UK's role in perpetuating or assisting genocide through inaction or arms sales, questioning when action would be taken.

Called for immediate recognition of Palestine alongside allies to halt dispossession by Israel and address the humanitarian crisis.

Expressed concern over Israeli aggression in Gaza and the West Bank, welcoming the government’s condemnation of new settlements but urging for further action including sanctions against extremist ministers and recognising Palestine at the UN.

Called for an independent inquiry into British Government policies regarding F-35 jet parts sold to Israel, questioning their role in enabling attacks on Gaza.

Demanded the Minister provide a red line regarding arming Israel and stopping sales of F-35 bombers that contribute to violence against civilians.

Asked whether all items, both those with licences and those outside rules or exemptions, are being reviewed to ensure they do not undermine peace and security.

Pressed for immediate sanctions on Netanyahu's regime, arguing the situation amounts to genocide and urging reflection of House’s will regarding further punitive measures.

Highlighted specific instances of Israeli violence in Gaza, questioning whether Minister would follow through with stopping arms sales despite protests outside Parliament.

Criticised the Government’s stance as insufficient given worsening conditions in Gaza, urging further action beyond condemnatory statements.

Asked how many more children need to die before a complete ban on UK arms sales and exports is implemented regarding Netanyahu’s Government.

Sought details of upcoming actions with France and Canada following their joint statement, given worsening conditions in Gaza post the statement date.

Pressed for a direct answer on whether the Government believes Israel is committing genocide.

Decried the actions of an organisation involved in aid delivery, calling for accountability and full recognition of atrocities committed against Palestinians attempting to feed their families.

Condemned UK complicity in Israeli acts through lack of action on sanctions, arms embargo, and Palestinian state recognition.

Expressed concerns over Israeli Government's actions in Gaza, specifically the rhetoric of their ministers and asked for targeted sanctions against individuals.

Called for the Prime Minister to return to the House next week to update on further sanctions and recognition of the Palestinian state.

Highlighted reports of Israeli fire killing Palestinians trying to access aid at militarised distribution centres and asked for immediate, stronger action against Israel.

Questioned the Government's handling of the F-35 programme and suggested an alternative approach to ensure compliance with international humanitarian law.

Condemned the UK government for continuing arms exports to Israel despite public support for a full embargo, and accused them of enabling genocide.

Expressed frustration at the inability to arrest the situation in Gaza and called for sanctions on Israel's extremist government.

Called for further concrete measures, including trade measures and recognition of a Palestinian state.

Asked the Minister to commit to stopping Israel's military action immediately through whatever means necessary if compliance with international humanitarian law is not achieved.

Expressed frustration at perceived contradictory statements from the Minister and urged for immediate action.

Condemned the UK government's response as double standards, compared with actions against Russia in Ukraine, and called for sanctions on Israel.