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Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories 2025-06-04
04 June 2025
Lead MP
Hamish Falconer
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
DefenceEconomyForeign Affairs
Other Contributors: 58
At a Glance
Hamish Falconer raised concerns about israel and the occupied palestinian territories 2025-06-04 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
We are appalled by repeated reports of mass casualty incidents in which Palestinians have been killed when trying to access aid sites in Gaza. The Israeli Government's newly introduced measures for aid delivery are inhumane, foster desperation and endanger civilians. Israel’s unjustified block on aid into Gaza needs to end. We will continue to be steadfast in our support for the UN and other trusted international non-governmental organisations as the most effective and principled partners for aid delivery.
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
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.
Paula Barker
Lab
Liverpool Wavertree
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?
Calum Miller
LD
Bicester and Woodstock
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.
Sarah Champion
Lab
Rotherham
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.
Kit Malthouse
Con
North West Hampshire
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.
Rachel Hopkins
Lab
Luton South and South Bedfordshire
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?
Jeremy Wright
Con
Kenilworth and Southam
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.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham and Chislehurst
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.
Tooting
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.
Roger Gale
Con
Herne Bay and Sandwich
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.
Slough
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.
Stephen Flynn
SNP
Aberdeen South
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.
Jon Pearce
Lab
High Peak
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.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
He demanded clarity on what further steps mean, stating that studied ambiguity has had no impact on Israeli policy.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
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.
Ellie Chowns
Green
North Herefordshire
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.
Florence Eshalomi
Lab/Co-op
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
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.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
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.
Ian Byrne
Lab
Liverpool West Derby
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.
Esher and Walton
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.
Dawn Butler
Lab
Brent East
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.
Mark Pritchard
Con
The Wrekin
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.
Liam Byrne
Lab
Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North
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.
Llinos Medi
PC
Ynys Môn
The hon. Member for Ynys Môn described the situation in Gaza as genocide and demanded actions to prevent further dismantling of the healthcare system.
Tahir Ali
Lab
Birmingham Hall Green and Moseley
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.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Asked the Minister for a plan to convince Israel that aid will reach those in need instead of being diverted by Hamas.
Nesil Caliskan
Lab
Barking
Questioned whether the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation is capable of addressing starvation and urged immediate handover of aid operations to the UN.
Shockat Adam
Ind
Leicester South
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.
Stella Creasy
Lab/Co-op
Walthamstow
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.
North Norfolk
Asked if sanctions against extremist Government Ministers and formal recognition of a Palestinian state are being considered as next steps.
Mark Ferguson
Lab
Gateshead Central and Whickham
Emphasised the unacceptability of pairing aid with military objectives and asked for assurance that this will be taken on board in future decisions.
Kirsty Blackman
SNP
Aberdeen North
Asked about comfort regarding the use of exported military equipment by Israel, expressing concern over settlements expansion and worsening conditions for Palestinians.
Clapham and Brixton Hill
Pressed the Minister on the UK's role in perpetuating or assisting genocide through inaction or arms sales, questioning when action would be taken.
South Devon
Called for immediate recognition of Palestine alongside allies to halt dispossession by Israel and address the humanitarian crisis.
Andrew Pakes
Lab
Peterborough
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.
Jeremy Corbyn
Ind
Islington North
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.
Kim Johnson
Lab
Liverpool Riverside
Demanded the Minister provide a red line regarding arming Israel and stopping sales of F-35 bombers that contribute to violence against civilians.
Vikki Slade
LD
Mid Dorset and North Poole
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.
Louise Haigh
Lab
Sheffield Heeley
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.
Ayoub Khan
Ind
Birmingham Perry Barr
Highlighted specific instances of Israeli violence in Gaza, questioning whether Minister would follow through with stopping arms sales despite protests outside Parliament.
Helen Hayes
Lab
Dulwich and West Norwood
Criticised the Government’s stance as insufficient given worsening conditions in Gaza, urging further action beyond condemnatory statements.
Stratford-on-Avon
Asked how many more children need to die before a complete ban on UK arms sales and exports is implemented regarding Netanyahu’s Government.
Jacob Collier
Lab
Burton and Uttoxeter
Sought details of upcoming actions with France and Canada following their joint statement, given worsening conditions in Gaza post the statement date.
Adnan Hussain
Ind
Blackburn
Pressed for a direct answer on whether the Government believes Israel is committing genocide.
Aylesbury
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.
Nadia Whittome
Lab
Nottingham East
Condemned UK complicity in Israeli acts through lack of action on sanctions, arms embargo, and Palestinian state recognition.
Paul Waugh
Lab/Co-op
Rochdale
Expressed concerns over Israeli Government's actions in Gaza, specifically the rhetoric of their ministers and asked for targeted sanctions against individuals.
Clive Betts
Lab
Sheffield South East
Called for the Prime Minister to return to the House next week to update on further sanctions and recognition of the Palestinian state.
Naushabah Khan
Lab
Gillingham and Rainham
Highlighted reports of Israeli fire killing Palestinians trying to access aid at militarised distribution centres and asked for immediate, stronger action against Israel.
Rachael Maskell
Lab/Co-op
York Central
Questioned the Government's handling of the F-35 programme and suggested an alternative approach to ensure compliance with international humanitarian law.
Zarah Sultana
Ind
Coventry South
Condemned the UK government for continuing arms exports to Israel despite public support for a full embargo, and accused them of enabling genocide.
Calvin Bailey
Lab
Leyton and Wanstead
Expressed frustration at the inability to arrest the situation in Gaza and called for sanctions on Israel's extremist government.
Lizzi Collinge
Lab
Morecambe and Lunesdale
Called for further concrete measures, including trade measures and recognition of a Palestinian state.
Andy McDonald
Lab
Middlesbrough and Thornaby East
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.
Olivia Blake
Lab
Sheffield Hallam
Expressed frustration at perceived contradictory statements from the Minister and urged for immediate action.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
Condemned the UK government's response as double standards, compared with actions against Russia in Ukraine, and called for sanctions on Israel.
Government Response
We will continue to be steadfast in our support for the UN and other trusted international non-governmental organisations as the most effective and principled partners for aid delivery. We are working closely with our allies, both in the region and beyond, on this devastating situation. We have taken steps to ensure that weapons directly for use in Gaza have been suspended. The arms suspensions introduced are far-reaching, but there is considerable confusion about the final destination of components and items traded with NATO allies. The Minister reiterated that aid availability is not an issue but Israel's blockade prevents delivery. He stated concrete actions would follow if changes are not made, without specifying timing or details. The Minister acknowledged the concerns raised by MPs about Gaza's humanitarian crisis and emphasised ongoing efforts to persuade Israel to change its approach. He highlighted calls for an independent investigation into events in Rafah and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to transparency regarding arms licensing decisions. Supported UN mechanisms for aid distribution, condemned Hamas diversion reports without undermining aid provision. Acknowledged concerns about international law breaches but emphasised ongoing disagreement with Israeli policy. Tipped towards potential sanctions and further actions under review. Reiterated the Government's commitment to addressing human rights abuses and condemning new settlements. Announced ongoing review for further sanctions and measures to prevent arms sales contrary to peace objectives. Defended the Government’s position, emphasising responsibility towards NATO allies and the importance of continuing F-35 programme. Acknowledged concerns but stated that further measures would be taken if situation does not change.
Shadow Response
Priti Patel
Shadow Response
Britain must use its considerable influence in the region to help stop the endless suffering that we are seeing, to get more aid in, to see hostages released and to achieve a proper, sustainable end to the conflict. We want peace and stability in the region.
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