Middle East and North Africa 2026-01-05

Ms Patel raised concerns about Iran's regime, advocating for more sanctions to address the nuclear weapons programme and support freedom fighters. She inquired about the status of Lindsay and Craig Foreman detained in Iran, urging practical measures for their release. Regarding Gaza, she questioned Hamas’s adherence to ceasefire terms and pressure applied to them. On aid delivery, she sought confirmation on the number of trucks delivering aid weekly and requested meetings with Israeli counterparts to address security concerns over aid diversion by terrorists.

Acknowledged the Minister's comments about Yemen, Syria and human rights in Iran. Inquired about direct discussions with UAE and Saudi Arabia on Yemen and suggested a bridging role for Britain. Asked about progress on tackling sectarian violence and chemical weapons disposal in Syria. Sought details of the inquiry into el-Fattah case and questioned if UK Government would act on Opposition's request to strip citizenship.

Confirmed ongoing discussions with UAE and Saudi Arabia. Addressed concerns about stability in Syria and progress on chemical weapons destruction. Acknowledged bravery of Iranian protesters against government portrayal. Discussed el-Fattah's citizenship case and commitment to swift review. Highlighted aid concerns and actions taken by the Government.

Commended Minister for statement on humanitarian crisis in Gaza, urged condemnation of Israeli decision affecting 37 aid agencies, called for opening Rafah crossing immediately to ensure aid delivery.

Expressed regret at Government's approach to presenting developments from four states in one statement. Criticised continued Israeli settlement expansion and urged immediate sanctions on Cabinet members, import ban on settlement goods, and publication of 2024 International Court of Justice ruling response. Condemned repression in Iran and questioned lawful external pressure efforts. Urged review of arms export licences to Saudi Arabia and UAE, ensuring humanitarian aid reaches neediest Yemenis.

Welcomed the Minister's statement on Syria and Yemen. Asked about reports of Russian arms shipments to Iran and financial movements, indicating concerns about regime stability.

Responded that he cannot provide detailed updates due to sensitive nature but reiterated support for Iranian protestors' rights and UK's commitment to non-judgmental consular assistance.

Expressed concern over Israeli ban on NGOs in Palestine, urging the UK to take real action by imposing sanctions on officials responsible for humanitarian aid restrictions.

Acknowledged Ward's commitment and opposed NGO deregistration while condemning it. Reiterated that aid access is crucial and money alone cannot overcome current restrictions in Gaza.

Welcomed Minister's focus on Yemen but questioned how the UK can prioritise such issues amidst numerous international crises.

Emphasised Yemen’s priority for UK foreign policy, highlighting recent visit and ongoing diplomatic efforts to address humanitarian needs in Yemen.

Welcomed aid spending on Palestinians but condemned Israeli decision to withdraw NGO accreditation as 'calculated cruelty', urging Minister to condemn this act and consider sanctions.

Supported Waugh's condemnation, reiterated opposition against deregistration of credible NGOs working in Gaza and expressed efforts towards ensuring aid access despite financial constraints.

Questioned the Government’s cuts to humanitarian aid budgets while claiming urgency for stability and peace, asked about consequences on Israeli regime for restricting aid.

Responded with focus on aid access rather than volume, highlighted tough decisions made regarding UK's aid budget but noted restrictions that no amount of money can overcome.

Welcomed Minister’s statement and condemned Israeli banning of NGOs, focusing on expansion of illegal settlements in West Bank and asked for action to stop illegal trade using legislative tools.

Acknowledged concerns over settlement expansion and violence associated with it. Joined E4 colleagues in condemning recent announcements from Israeli Government regarding settlements.

Asked about measures to secure Iran’s nuclear inventory if regime falls, raising security concerns over potential threats from any malign state or non-state actors.

Responded cautiously, avoiding speculative comments on future scenarios while reiterating the UK's focus and interest in monitoring Iran's nuclear programme closely.

Critiqued lack of real action from international community despite words and statements, urged Minister to announce meaningful actions including ending arms sales and imposing sanctions on Israel akin to those placed on Russia for Ukraine.

Reiterated efforts in ensuring points discussed are made with force to Israeli Government, continuing diplomatic engagements to address humanitarian issues in Gaza.

Reassures the House that the issue has been a priority through the Christmas period, condemns new settlements in the West Bank announced over the holiday, and sanctions specific Israeli ministers. Also emphasises ongoing efforts to establish full diplomatic relations with Palestine.

Presses the Minister on 19 new settlements in the West Bank over Christmas and highlights that this brings the total to 69 new settlements since three years, expressing concern about the peace process. Requests more concrete action beyond condemnation.

Joins colleagues in recognising the catastrophic situation in Gaza and the denial of access to aid agencies. Questions what actions would be taken if the Palestinian Government requests cessation of trade with foreign nationals illegally resident on its territory.

Highlights how Israel is frustrating not just the quantity but also the basic elements of aid, urging the Minister to pick up with his opposite number about the denial of humanitarian aid items under dual use restrictions.

Welcomes the establishment of the Palestinian embassy in London but raises concerns over the Sudan crisis, asking what discussions are being had with the UAE to stop weapon flow and with the African Union for an expeditionary peace force.

Expresses gratitude for recognition of Palestine and support in medical evacuations but presses on action against settlements, questioning the reason for not taking steps to stop investment or trade with illegal settlements.

Thanks the Minister for condemning aid delivery blockades and urges him to take concrete steps like banning all trade with illegal settlements. Emphasises repeated condemnation is insufficient given continued violations of international law.

Highlights high levels of new illegal settlements and inadequate humanitarian aid in Gaza, urging the Minister to agree that this must stop. Asks about UK Government efforts to increase aid and ensure NGOs can freely distribute it.

Points out more than 500 aid workers killed by Israel in Gaza since October 2023, asking for tangible policy steps beyond condemnation to address further actions obstructing much-needed aid and endangering aid workers.

Rutland expressed concern over the lack of due diligence in granting consular cases, specifically highlighting the case of Mr el-Fattah. He urged for a thorough review to ensure future decisions are made with full understanding of the facts.

Voaden criticised Israel's ban on international aid organisations and accused the Israeli Government of deliberately impeding humanitarian aid. She called for wider sanctions against Israel to force a reversal of this decision.

Maskell questioned the pace at which aid is being provided to Gaza and asked whether the international law framework could be used to expedite aid delivery, highlighting concerns about Israeli impunity in obstructing aid.

Martin raised concern over settlements mislabeling their goods as originating from Israel and asked for the UK Government to commit to publishing segregated trade statistics by origin of goods.

Barker highlighted that aid paid for by British taxpayers is being obstructed in Gaza, calling on the Minister to urgently solve this issue and ensure full humanitarian access.

Hussain criticised the lack of unrestricted access for international aid workers, UN agencies, and medical teams. He also questioned why foreign media is barred from Gaza and urged for measures to ensure free reporting.

Sobel raised the case of Marwan Barghouti, questioning the compatibility of his trial and detention with international humanitarian and human rights law. He sought assurances that any representations have been made to Israeli authorities.

Coghlan welcomed the new Government in Syria but expressed concern over increased ISIS activity, particularly regarding 27,000 ISIS members and their families in prison camps in Syria. He sought assurance that practical measures are being taken to prevent radicalisation.

Arthur thanked the Minister for condemning Netanyahu's actions and criticised Iran's treatment of protesters, particularly women. He urged the Minister to remind Iranian authorities about the right to protest without threat of violence.

Khan expressed deep concern over civilian casualties in Gaza and criticised Israel's ban on reputable humanitarian organisations. He suggested a visit to the International Criminal Court to raise this matter.

Expressed concern about the targeting of children in Gaza and the destruction of medical facilities, thanked the Minister for meeting with two medically evacuated children from Gaza. Asked for updates on efforts to increase the number of Gazan children medically evacuated to the UK.

Emphasised the importance of ensuring that children in Gaza have access to healthcare and stated that it is more appropriate to provide medical assistance within the region, but noted there are specialised cases where the UK can make a real contribution. Promised to update the House shortly.

Discussed Iran's human rights issues and street protests over food prices, highlighting violence against religious groups and women. Asked for steps to deliver freedom and democracy in Iran through actions with the Iranian Government in exile.

Welcomed the establishment of a Palestinian embassy in London and asked about progress towards an inclusive Syria, mentioning recent violence and lack of integration for Syrian Democratic Forces.

Stressed the importance of ensuring minorities have assurance of their place in a new Syria and discussed ongoing discussions with the Syrian Government regarding minority communities' rights.

Raised concerns about daily life conditions for Palestinians in Jayyous and asked how UK recognition of Palestine will translate into practical steps to protect communities and advance peace.

Stated the importance of protecting Palestinian rights and ensuring the rule of law is upheld, referencing Israeli court rulings that have supported these rights.

Asked about reasons given by the Israeli Government for stopping NGOs from operating in Gaza and requested actions against Israel to reinstate those NGOs.

Explained that Israeli authorities sought more detail about NGO staff, leading to deregistration. Noted international efforts to find acceptable solutions consistent with humanitarian principles.

Asked for further actions beyond raising Jagtar Singh Johal's case in India for more than eight years, seeking his release.

Promised to meet with the Minister responsible for India regarding the constituent's case and acknowledged ongoing efforts despite no change after eight years of engagement.

Welcomed steps taken to bring injured Gazan children for treatment but raised concerns about unstable or too ill to travel. Asked for additional field hospitals, equipment and medicines in Gaza.

Acknowledged the UK's contribution is small compared to overall needs, committed to work with Egypt to support Palestinian healthcare and noted special cases will be looked at further.

Asked about progress in opening borders for people from Gaza to visit family in the UK, highlighting challenges due to cuts in aid and US Agency for International Development decimation.

Acknowledged ongoing efforts to support Chevening students and injured children with visas, promised to take up individual cases where people have a legitimate reason to travel.