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Question
What diplomatic action is being taken with regional allies and the US to advance an end to conflict, especially concerning new ceasefire proposals for Hamas?
Minister reply
The UK has signed a statement with 31 Foreign Ministers demanding immediate ceasefire in Gaza. We are supporting humanitarian aid efforts and pushing for reforms within Palestinian governance.
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Question
The Foreign Secretary's statement did not mention Iran, but nuclear talks are set to take place in Istanbul. What is the purpose of these talks and what deal does he aim for?
Minister reply
The Minister responded by confirming that Britain will participate in upcoming nuclear talks with Iran but provided limited details on their purpose or content.
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Question
Following the statement from 31 countries, what is the UK's next step towards a ceasefire in Gaza?
Minister reply
The Minister confirmed that further diplomatic efforts are being considered but did not specify immediate actions beyond continued dialogue.
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Question
What concrete steps is the Foreign Secretary taking to end violence in Gaza, given repeated expressions of regret have failed?
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledged the ongoing challenge and reiterated the UK's commitment to multilateral efforts and diplomatic resolution but emphasised that immediate action beyond words was not yet feasible.
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Question
The statement from partners is not enough; it does not provide action. The situation in Gaza is worsening with civilian casualties, starvation, and displacement. When will the UK take a comprehensive trade and arms embargo to force Israel's attention?
Minister reply
I understand the frustration but emphasise that we have taken significant steps including suspending certain arms sales and supporting aid delivery through partners like WFP.
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Question
Is it enough to rely on words when there is a humanitarian crisis, with 83% of the population wanting a ceasefire? Should there be a free vote in Parliament for further action against Israel's actions?
Minister reply
The Israeli Government should reflect on international opinion; I agree that media access to Gaza would help establish facts.
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Question
Does the Foreign Secretary agree with recognising a state of Palestine as a way to acknowledge Palestinian people's humanity, and should Israel face legal consequences for its actions?
Minister reply
I support recognising the Palestinian cause as just; we must adhere strictly to international humanitarian law.
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Question
How can full media access to Gaza help establish what is happening there?
Minister reply
Yes, 100% agree that full media access would aid in verifying information and establishing facts.
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Question
At what point does the UK's basic humanity require stronger action against Israel for violating international humanitarian law?
Minister reply
The government is taking steps to improve the situation; however, more needs to be done.
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Question
Does the inaction of the Foreign Secretary make Britain irrelevant and risk personal legal consequences for his actions?
Minister reply
Personalising arguments is unbecoming; we must work to improve the situation through coordinated international efforts.
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Question
What additional measures will be taken if a ceasefire does not occur in Gaza?
Minister reply
We are working closely with allies to achieve a ceasefire and secure aid for Gazans.
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Question
What specific steps will be taken by the UK government if there is no immediate ceasefire?
Minister reply
We are supporting our allies to co-ordinate further measures effectively.
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Question
What additional steps will be taken to bring about a ceasefire and secure aid for Gazans?
Minister reply
We are supporting Palestinian civilians, including the Palestinian Authority, in our efforts.
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Question
Why hasn't the UK committed to providing medical treatment for children bombed by Israeli forces?
Minister reply
We have suspended sales of arms that could be used in Gaza and are willing to look at what more we can do for suffering children.
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Question
What is the Foreign Secretary doing to persuade the United States that this aid system is not the way to deliver aid into Gaza?
Minister reply
I have reassured the right hon. Gentleman that I have made representations to Secretary of State Rubio about my concerns with the aid system alongside many European Foreign Ministers and members of the G7.
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Question
What pressure is the Government applying to Hamas, via Qatar and Egypt, to agree a ceasefire and bring hostages home?
Minister reply
The challenge faced on the ceasefire has been principally that Hamas do not want a pause. There has also been discussion within Israel of what withdrawal we would see of the IDF and changing the humanitarian aid system. My hope is that once the Knesset rises on the 22nd, we will move to a ceasefire.
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Question
Will the Foreign Secretary ensure that in the discussions of the two-state solution, it is borne in mind that not only does the state of Palestine exist, but Israel’s neighbours do need to recognise Israel’s right to exist?
Minister reply
Yes, I will.
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Question
What will the Foreign Secretary say to his Israeli counterparts regarding the continuing conflict and recent assault on Deir al-Balah?
Minister reply
I have reassured my hon. Friend that I said this morning to my Israeli counterpart.
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Question
Has the Foreign Secretary spoken to Tel Aviv about the situation in southern Syria, and what is his assessment of the wisdom or otherwise of the action that Israel has taken?
Minister reply
The UK is clear that we expect Israel to adhere to its commitment that its presence in the area of separation in the south is both limited and temporary. I did press the Israeli Foreign Minister on Israel’s activity, which I worry destabilises the situation further.
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Question
How will we get a ceasefire when the Israeli Government have already rejected statements by allied Ministers as 'disconnected from reality'?
Minister reply
The overwhelming majority of the Israeli people—83%—want a ceasefire so that hostages can get out and for it to be a sustained and enduring ceasefire, which is not currently the position of Benjamin Netanyahu.
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Question
Is the Foreign Secretary content that Britain is doing all it can to ensure it is not complicit in the use of starvation as a tool of war?
Minister reply
I associate myself with what the hon. Lady has said and assure her, on my behalf but also on behalf of everyone in this Chamber, that there will be no complicity among any of us in acts where there could be a clear risk of a breach of international humanitarian law.
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Question
What steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that the next ceasefire is permanent and will see hostages get out of Gaza?
Minister reply
I am grateful for my hon. Friend's question, he is right to mention the hostages, I meet regularly with hostage families, did a few weeks ago in my office.
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Question
When will he stand on the right side of history and implement a full arms embargo, widespread sanctions and a ban on the import of settlement goods?
Minister reply
I am content that we are not sending arms that could be used in Gaza. I ask the hon. Lady to look closely at the export licensing regime.
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Question
What is the Foreign Secretary doing to protect all health facilities with the means available at the UN?
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Question
The right hon. Gentleman inquired about the legal basis for excluding Hamas from a two-state solution and questioned whether recognising a Palestinian state would involve Gaza.
Minister reply
Mr Lammy agreed that Hamas cannot continue to govern Gaza, but also pointed out that there are prospects beyond this situation, noting historical examples such as the IRA's disarmament. He emphasised the importance of addressing the undermining of the Palestinian Authority by Israel and stressed the need for a demilitarized exit from Gaza.
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Question
The hon. Member expressed deep frustration over the humanitarian crisis in Palestine, urging the Government to take meaningful action.
Minister reply
Mr Lammy acknowledged the strength of feeling and the need for humanity but stated that frustration alone would not deliver change. He affirmed that everything possible is being done to ensure a ceasefire.
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Question
The Member questioned whether there would be heavy consequences if Israel proceeds with the approval of the illegal E1 settlement plan.
Minister reply
Mr Lammy stated that previous Governments suggested consequences for such moves, and it is indeed the case that there would be international consequences if Israel proceeded.
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Question
The hon. Member highlighted ongoing breaches of international humanitarian law and questioned what more can be done to secure accountability under international law.
Minister reply
Mr Lammy thanked the hon. Friend for her strong position, noting that they are supporting groups documenting expansion and violence in the West Bank.
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Question
The Member stated that nearly 2 million tonnes of humanitarian aid have been facilitated by Israel into Gaza.
Minister reply
Mr Lammy disagreed with these numbers, indicating a different understanding of the situation.
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Question
The Member suggested that America could be prevailed upon to act as a guarantor beyond the final settlement.
Minister reply
Mr Lamly acknowledged working with Arab partners on this issue, emphasising that Hamas must exit governance in Gaza and that an enduring ceasefire is necessary.
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Question
The hon. Member asked what further war crimes would need to occur for sanctions against Israel.
Minister reply
Mr Lammy pointed out that the UK has led in sanctioning individuals such as Smotrich and Ben-Gvir, stating these actions are under ongoing review.
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Question
The Member welcomed the Foreign Secretary's statement but questioned whether more could be done to support the Palestinian people.
Minister reply
Mr Lammy acknowledged the strength of feeling and noted that international partners must act together for effective change, emphasising the UK’s consistent stance.
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Question
The right hon. Member asked about signing a declaration supporting nations refusing arms sales to Israel.
Minister reply
Mr Lammy said he would speak with his South African counterpart, acknowledging support for the ICC and ICJ.
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Question
The hon. Member questioned what further measures against Israel might be taken if a ceasefire did not occur.
Minister reply
Mr Lammy stated that all actions are under review and emphasised the priority of securing a ceasefire.
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Question
The right hon. Member highlighted the need for justice for Israeli citizens and questioned the recognition of Palestine controlled by terrorists.
Minister reply
Mr Lammy agreed only with remarks that hostages must be released.
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Question
Asked the Foreign Secretary to explain why further arms export licences were granted between September and December, despite suspensions due to possible breaches of international law. He also inquired about the UK Government's red line for a total arms trade embargo.
Minister reply
Mr Lammy explained that most licenses are not for military use but rather for civilian purposes such as product testing or body armour for journalists and NGOs, emphasising the importance of supporting these organisations.
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Question
Pressed the Foreign Secretary on why Israel has not been reported to the International Criminal Court despite support from this House for Palestine's statehood in 2014.
Minister reply
Mr Lammy stated that while there is a commitment towards two-state recognition, it must be approached carefully as previous steps have shown limited impact.
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Question
Called on the Foreign Secretary to recognise the state of Palestine immediately as part of efforts for a two-state solution.
Minister reply
Mr Lammy affirmed his commitment to two states but noted that recognition alone would not change the situation on the ground without an enduring ceasefire.
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Question
Inquired about further action against Israel given their disregard for UK statements and the need to end arms sales entirely.
Minister reply
Mr Lammy responded that while recognition of Palestine is a goal, it would not directly impact the current conflict's ceasefire.
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Question
Asked for stronger actions to end the conflict in Gaza including widespread sanctions and an immediate arms embargo.
Minister reply
Mr Lammy reiterated his desire for a ceasefire but emphasised ongoing considerations with allies.
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Question
Inquired about the Government's stance on Israel’s plans to transfer control of the Ibrahimi mosque from Palestinian authorities.
Minister reply
Mr Lammy stated that they view these statements as inflammatory and are closely monitoring Israel's actions.
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Question
Asked why the Foreign Secretary would not take concrete steps to end UK complicity in the conflict, such as imposing sanctions.
Minister reply
Mr Lammy reassured that the UK is not complicit and that an arms embargo decision was upheld by a judicial review.
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Question
Pressed for further action if Israel proceeds with plans to forcibly transfer Palestinian civilians in Gaza, deemed unacceptable under international law.
Minister reply
Mr Lammy condemned the suggestion of Minister Katz's plan and affirmed his stance against such actions.
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Question
Called for tangible steps like a British-led hospital in Gaza to provide humanitarian aid.
Minister reply
Mr Lammy highlighted the UK's ongoing efforts and partnerships with Jordan to alleviate suffering.
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Question
Pressed for details on conversations with Israeli and US governments regarding aid operations in Gaza.
Minister reply
Mr Lammy did not provide specific responses but emphasised the UK's commitment to humanitarian efforts.
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Question
The latest reports of attacks on the Druze people indicate that hundreds of Druze civilians, including women and children, have been kidnapped, tortured, raped, executed and mutilated, with Christians suffering at their side. Despite the fact that they are fighting back, there is a real and valid fear of genocide of those people, who have a strong faith and, as such, are worthy of our protection. What can the Government and the Foreign Secretary do to secure peace and hope for those people, who are currently being targeted and need aid urgently?
Minister reply
I reassure the hon. Gentleman that I raised these issues with the Syrian leader myself, urged him to act and said that there must be accountability as he grips the entirety of his country. These incidents were also taking place under the Assad regime, but the suffering that is being wrought on minorities in Syria at this time is totally unacceptable.
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Question
The situation facing Gazans is truly catastrophic. We must secure a ceasefire as soon as possible, with all hostages freed and unhindered access to aid. Our experience in Northern Ireland shows that to build a long-term, sustainable peace we need to invest in civil society and peacebuilders, to create a consensus and to change opinions for the better. Will my right hon. Friend therefore tell us what the UK Government are doing to support the international fund for Israeli-Palestinian peace?
Minister reply
British taxpayers are funding NGOs that work across communities. We are supporting that work on the west bank and in Gaza. We are supporting accountability, because that is No. 1 when we look at some of the injustice being wrought.
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Question
There are no red lines. Every single allegation made by the Israeli Government about the crimes committed by Hamas has been re-enacted and executed—for example, killing of innocent people, beheading of babies, burning of babies alive, rape, hostage-taking, including of many hundreds of doctors, now we are actually seeing children being shot in the genitals. There are games being played by the IDF. Will the Foreign Secretary please tell us from the Dispatch Box: what are the red lines? What will cause this Government to take proactive steps?
Minister reply
What the hon. Gentleman mentions falls into the category of the assessment that I made back in September last year that there was a clear risk of a breach of international humanitarian law. It is on that legal advice, and the quasi-legal position that I took, that I made sure that nothing we did in this country could be complicit in such action.
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Question
The suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached horrific levels. What steps will the UK Government and the Foreign Secretary take to feed our children in Palestine?
Minister reply
We have to bring about that ceasefire, and we have to do all we can to alleviate the suffering. That is what I set out in my statement today, but I remain as frustrated as my hon. Friend is that this war is not over.
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Question
The situation in Gaza is all the more infuriating when we hear that the UN has three months-worth of food waiting in warehouses on the border. What are the next actions that we need to take to make a ceasefire a reality?
Minister reply
We stand with the international community in all our efforts. In terms of what comes next, we support the Arab plan and we are working with Arab partners to improve it.
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Question
The Foreign Secretary knows that I have many surgical colleagues working in Gaza who are desperately seeking to get a maternity hospital into Gaza. Will the Foreign Secretary lend his support and the support of his office to this endeavour?
Minister reply
Yes, absolutely. I am grateful for all the work that my hon. Friend has done, and his background in medicine helps to bring these issues to public attention.
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Question
The UK sending £129 million in aid is nearly pointless given the denial of the UN’s aid system, and Israel’s cruel blockade is choking off supplies to the people who need it. What additional steps are we taking to break this cruel blockade?
Minister reply
We warned Israel about reducing the aid points to four, and now we are seeing the horrors in front of our eyes. I remind Israel again about its obligations to international humanitarian law and my worry that they are being breached.
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Question
Our calls for a ceasefire only saw the last one get broken. Now, as my right hon. Friend has pointed out, the chilling order to forcibly displace an entire population of 2 million people has been condemned by ex-Israeli PM Ehud Barak. What more concrete actions are we taking to stop the man-made destruction of Gaza?
Minister reply
We stand with the international community in all our efforts and support the Arab plan.
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Question
Gaza is facing catastrophic, famine-like conditions and people are dying in appalling circumstances. What actions is the Foreign Secretary taking to ensure that UN NGOs can get into Gaza and deliver the humanitarian aid that Gazans desperately need?
Minister reply
I can reassure my hon. Friend that I spoke to the UN about this last week. We are working with the UN, and I was pleased that the World Food Programme was able to get some extra trucks in.
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Ghani
Lab
Constituency Not Provided
Question
The Israeli Government’s unrelenting denial of aid to civilians is turning an entire population of Palestinians to skin and bones, starving them to death. As kids die, the Israeli Government are pushing ahead in defiance with their humanitarian plan for Gaza—a plan that has been described as a “concentration camp” by the former Israeli Prime Minister. Can I press the Foreign Secretary to enforce further sanctions, and can he lay out what tangible pressure this Government are putting on Israel to stop using hunger as a weapon of war?
Minister reply
I reassure my hon. Friend that, as she would expect, I raise these issues with Israel on a regular basis, and I raised that issue with Israel this morning.
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Tahir Ali
Lab
Birmingham Hall Green and Moseley
Question
Inhumanity is a red line drawn by international law and underwritten by universal human rights. In Gaza, that red line has not just been broken; it has been ignored, betrayed and erased. The Foreign Secretary tells us that Netanyahu is not listening—in fact, he is putting his middle finger up to the UK Government. Will the Foreign Secretary send military personnel to protect Palestinians from the genocide being committed by the IDF?
Minister reply
I recognise the strength of feeling that my hon. Friend conveys to the Chamber. I listed all the things we are doing. I think the most important thing that the UK Government can do is press to get that ceasefire, press to get an alleviation of the suffering, and, of course, to do everything we can to see the hostages returned.
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Question
I just want to be clear on the Government’s legal position. On 11 June last year, the Government reported that they saw “no serious risk of genocide” in Gaza. All this time on, and after the statements that the Foreign Secretary has made, can I be clear: is he saying tonight that the Government accept that there is a plausible risk of genocide? If he is not, will he instruct his officials to undertake an immediate review and report to Members as rapidly as possible?
Minister reply
I refer the right hon. Gentleman to the statement I made back in September and the addendum to that statement, which set out the basis on which I have judged that there was a clear risk to international humanitarian law.
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Question
The people of Gaza are being starved to death despite UNRWA having enough supplies to feed the population for three months. It is not a matter of logistics; it is sheer cruelty. GHF ration centres are purposely located in the south in militarised zones with sporadic opening hours and sudden closures, leaving people with no option but to make that long journey on foot and wait many hours on the off-chance that supplies may become available—or they may be killed while trying.
Minister reply
As my hon. Friend has heard, what we are seeing is inhumane, it is deadly and it is depriving Gazans of human dignity. As she would expect, the Government, working with our partners, keep everything under further consideration.
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Question
We see the brutality and bloodshed in Gaza every single night on our screens. It is disproportionate and horrific, and it has gone on for far too long—bombs, bullets and now the blockades. There can never be any justification for shooting people while they wait and queue for aid.
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is right: there can be no justification for shooting people as they are queuing for food—none whatsoever. I reassure him that we continue to work with the UN system and with close partners like Jordan to do all we can to alleviate the suffering.