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Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories 2025-06-10
10 June 2025
Lead MP
Hamish Falconer
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Foreign Affairs
Other Contributors: 81
At a Glance
Hamish Falconer raised concerns about israel and the occupied palestinian territories 2025-06-10 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
The situation in the west bank and Gaza is dire with a significant increase in settler violence against Palestinians. The UK pledges £101 million in additional support to the Palestinian people this year. The minister sanctions Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir for their actions that are detrimental to the two-state solution. This move shows commitment to upholding human rights and defending a viable two-state future.
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Supports the UK's efforts to leverage influence with Israel and international allies but questions the timing of sanctions on individuals. Asks for an assessment of these sanctions' impact and the nature of discussions held with other partners including the US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway. Urges for ongoing constructive dialogue and communication channels with all regional partners towards peace.
Kwasi Kwarteng
Cons
Spelthorne
The debate focuses on the ongoing negotiations to release hostages held by Iranian-backed terrorists in Gaza, the need for aid to enter the region, and efforts to restart dialogue under the Cairo plan. Kwasi emphasises the UK's support for Israel and its commitment to peace through international cooperation.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
She calls for an update on hostage release negotiations, aid distribution, and efforts to restart dialogue under the Cairo plan. She emphasises the need for more aid to enter Gaza, and expresses support for the UK's commitment to peace through international cooperation.
Damian Collins
Con
Thanet South
He seeks an update on discussions with allies about hostage releases, aid distribution, and efforts to restart dialogue under the Cairo plan. He highlights the importance of securing the release of hostages held by Iranian-backed terrorists.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
He calls for comprehensive sanctions on Israel in response to its crimes against Palestinians, emphasising that the situation goes beyond individual officials. He suggests that the UK should impose more extensive sanctions akin to those imposed on Russia.
Calum Miller
LD
Bicester and Woodstock
He welcomes the Government's action in sanctioning extremist Israeli Ministers but calls for further measures, including considering sanctions on other officials advocating for Palestinian displacement. He also suggests officially recognising Palestine to demonstrate commitment to peace.
Jon Pearce
Lab
High Peak
He welcomes the Minister's statement targeting enemies of peace in the Netanyahu Government and asks about UK proposals for an international fund for Israeli-Palestinian peace. He emphasises building civil society on both sides to support a two-state solution.
Abtisam Mohamed
Lab
Sheffield Central
She welcomes sanctions announced by the Minister and highlights concerns about annexation in Palestinian territories. She urges immediate recognition of Palestine at the UN conference next week, arguing that failing to do so could imply Israel's veto on a two-state solution.
Battersea
Welcomed the sanctions but questioned why the UK continues to arm Israel and when an arms embargo will be imposed. Urged for recognition of a Palestinian state at the upcoming conference.
Esher and Walton
Criticised the blockade in Gaza, calling for immediate action on aid access and statehood recognition for Palestinians.
Yuan Yang
Lab
Earley and Woodley
Supported the sanctions but called for further actions such as recognising Palestine's statehood at an international level.
Mark Pritchard
Con
The Wrekin
Questioned whether the sanctions would save Palestinian lives and expressed skepticism about the timing of the announcement in relation to the upcoming recognition summit.
Imran Hussain
Lab
Bradford East
Critiqued the UK's continued arms sales to Israel, arguing that ending these exports is a moral imperative given the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Brendan O'Hara
SNP
Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
Asked on the legal basis for continuing F-35 component sales to Israel despite condemning their views and actions as human rights abuses.
Sarah Smith
Lab
Hyndburn
Welcomed the sanctions but urged further steps towards recognising Palestine's statehood at an upcoming conference.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Called for action to bring Hamas to negotiate a ceasefire and asked about the UK's stance on attempts to break the blockade, such as the Madleen ship.
Falconer
Minister for the Middle East
The Minister responded to multiple MPs questioning him about the effectiveness and scope of sanctions against Israel, emphasising that while sanctions target specific individuals violating Palestinians' rights, they do not extend to the entire Israeli state. He also reiterated his commitment towards recognising a Palestinian state based on conditions conducive for both Israelis and Palestinians to coexist safely.
Tahir Ali
Lab
Birmingham Hall Green and Moseley
Critiqued the current sanctions as insufficient, urging the Minister to recognise Palestine without delay. Questioned why recognition has not been made despite support from 50 countries.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Asked if the Government had a concrete plan for an upcoming conference and whether sanctions would hinder efforts towards a two-state solution.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Complimented the Minister's work but pressed for faster recognition of Palestine, expressing hope that this will be announced next week in collaboration with allies.
St Ives
Inquired about sanctions against Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and measures to prevent trade with illegal settlements. Raised concerns over the humanitarian crisis and questioned the effectiveness of current sanctions.
Emily Darlington
Lab
Milton Keynes Central
Welcomed the announced sanctions but highlighted severe humanitarian conditions in Gaza, particularly focusing on an elderly constituent's plight. Called for increased aid and evacuations to protect vulnerable individuals.
Simon Hoare
Con
North Dorset
Welcomed the sanctions while expressing concerns about their impact and urged the Minister to move towards recognising Palestine given significant support across the House. Highlighted cross-party backing for this initiative.
Henry Tufnell
Lab
Mid and South Pembrokeshire
Echoed calls from other MPs urging recognition of a Palestinian state, emphasising public sentiment in his constituency regarding the situation in Gaza.
Adam Dance
LD
Yeovil
Cited an 11-year-old constituent's question about why more isn't being done and pressed for information on steps taken to reopen aid routes to Gaza.
Andy Slaughter
Lab
Hammersmith and Chiswick
Welcomed the sanctions against Smotrich and Ben-Gvir but urged recognition of Palestinian sovereignty over remaining 22% of mandate Palestine before settlements expand further.
Glasgow West
Welcomes the Minister’s statement and supports the imposition of sanctions, but asks if unilateral recognition of Palestine is an option given the lack of international cooperation.
Kit Malthouse
Con
North West Hampshire
Questions why the government has done the bare minimum and expresses cynicism about the effectiveness of the sanctions imposed.
Frank McNally
Lab
Coatbridge and Bellshill
Supports the steps taken by the government but asks for further measures to challenge the use of aid as a cover for violence towards Palestinians, including recognition of Palestine.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Asks why sanctions are being imposed now and suggests that they will not bring peace or change Israeli actions. Criticises the government for pandering to anti-Israel voices on their Back Benches.
Melanie Ward
Lab
Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy
Calls for immediate recognition of Palestine, emphasising that without it the two-state solution will remain an empty slogan. Highlights ongoing atrocities against Palestinians.
North Cotswolds
Requests a collective message from allies to Israel regarding unacceptable restrictions on aid and calls for serious consequences if these restrictions are not reversed.
Paul Waugh
Lab/Co-op
Rochdale
Welcomes the decision to sanction extremist Israeli Ministers and asks whether the government will recognise Palestine next week at a conference in New York.
Vikki Slade
LD
Mid Dorset and North Poole
Asks if further action, such as expelling the Israeli ambassador from the UK, is being considered due to her rejection of the two-state solution and ongoing violence in Gaza.
Andy McDonald
Lab
Middlesbrough and Thornaby East
Supports sanctions but questions their effectiveness. Calls for further sanctions if necessary and asks whether the government will support a vote to recognise Palestine in this House.
Martin Vickers
Con
Brigg and Immingham
Supports recognition of Palestine and suggests that a vote in the House could strengthen the UK's position. Asks about potential further sanctions from other countries.
Cat Eccles
Lab
Stourbridge
Welcomed the sanctions but argued for broader sanctions on all Israeli government ministers. She cited recent meetings in Israel and Palestine where strong sanctions were seen as necessary given thousands of deaths in Gaza.
Jeremy Corbyn
Ind
Islington North
Welcome the sanctions, but urged further action regarding F-35 jet components and RAF Akrotiri flights. Questioned whether security cooperation with Israel is continuing and if information is being shared that could be used for bombing in Gaza.
Paula Barker
Lab
Liverpool Wavertree
Supported the strong action taken by the government, but urged further steps like recognising Palestine. Raised concerns about the interception of humanitarian aid by Israeli authorities from a British-flagged yacht Madleen.
Brian Mathew
LD
Melksham and Devizes
Called for immediate recognition of the state of Palestine to achieve a two-state solution. Raised concerns about ongoing violence, starvation, and genocide in Gaza and the West Bank.
Kirsteen Sullivan
Lab/Co-op
Bathgate and Linlithgow
Welcomed the sanctions but called for secure maritime corridors for humanitarian aid. Urged recognition of an independent sovereign state of Palestine.
Ellie Chowns
Green
North Herefordshire
Criticised the sanctions as insufficient and called for a ban on settlement goods to stop the economy that fuels illegal settlements, urging dismantling of illegal settlements based on International Court of Justice directives.
Helen Hayes
Lab
Dulwich and West Norwood
Welcomed sanctions but urged Government recognition of Palestine at an upcoming summit. Called for a full ban on settlement goods to ensure that consumers do not support undermining the two-state solution.
Mike Martin
LD
Tunbridge Wells
Asked about tariffs and taxes on goods from settlements, questioning whether British Government is making money off illegal settlements in West Bank.
Hitchin
Welcomed the sanctions but called for more pressure to open land routes for aid delivery to Palestinians. Noted UK's leadership role with 26 allies and three leaders in calling for international action.
Shockat Adam
Ind
Leicester South
Rejected the announcement as insufficient, criticising government inconsistency on arms sales, trade deals, and socializing with Israeli officials. Questioned the sincerity of government's actions regarding Israel.
Twickenham
Welcomes sanctions on extremists, calls for cross-party support for two-state solution. Criticises minister's refusal to recognise state of Palestine.
Oliver Ryan
Ind
Burnley
Supports peace and a two-state solution. Asks the Minister to be tougher on aid, settler violence, illegal settlements.
Honiton and Sidmouth
Asks why government took so long to sanction right-wing Israeli Ministers.
Sarah Owen
Lab
Luton North
Describes Gaza as a 'slaughterhouse'. Asks for recognition of Palestinian state, citing human rights abuses and deaths in Gaza.
Robin Swann
UUP
South Antrim
Asks practical steps taken by government to rebuild Palestinian Authority and ensure Hamas has no role in governance.
Jas Athwal
Lab
Ilford South
Welcomes sanctions but calls for recognition of the Palestinian state as the next step.
Susan Murray
LD
Mid Dunbartonshire
Calls for an alternative plan to take aid into Gaza through a humanitarian corridor sponsored by UN.
Tulip Siddiq
Lab
Hampstead and Highgate
Welcomes sanctions but presses Minister on engagement with international allies for free-flowing aid into Gaza.
Henley and Thame
Tributes to work of fellow MP, expresses concern over baby formula not getting through to Gaza.
Alex Ballinger
Lab
Halesowen
Welcomes sanctions but asks Minister about devastating humanitarian situation and the role of private military contractors.
Carla Lockhart
DUP
Upper Bann
Criticises double standards in sanctioning Israeli Ministers while groups supporting terrorists are platformed at events like Glastonbury festival.
The Minister emphasises that the Palestinian Authority is central to a two-state solution, expressing support for its reform and strengthening. He acknowledges ongoing efforts such as signing an MOU with the Prime Minister of Palestine but also concedes there remains significant humanitarian risk without adequate aid.
Iqbal Mohamed
Ind
Dewsbury and Batley
The MP expresses gratitude for recent actions to get aid into Gaza but criticises the lack of meaningful action beyond rhetoric. He urges the Government to take concrete steps to save lives amidst a looming famine crisis.
Rachael Maskell
Lab/Co-op
York Central
The MP asks what message failure to recognise Palestine would send, expressing concern over potential genocide and suffering. She questions the Government's approach in international forums next week.
Epsom and Ewell
The MP highlights the importance of transparency and accurate reporting on the ground, questioning how journalists can be provided access to Gaza despite significant risks for them and aid workers.
Kirith Entwistle
Lab
Bolton North East
The MP supports sanctions but emphasises that this is only the beginning. He calls for accountability for breaches of international humanitarian law and asks when Palestine will be recognised, stressing the urgency to ensure aid reaches Gaza.
Ayoub Khan
Ind
Birmingham Perry Barr
The MP welcomes sanctions on Israeli ministers but seeks clarity on how similar language from other Knesset members would result in further sanctions. He stresses the need for consistency and accountability based on human rights breaches.
Navendu Mishra
Lab
Stockport
The MP raises concerns about 930,000 children at risk of famine and asks what more can be done to ensure food and medicine reach those in need. He urges the Minister for further announcements.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
The MP underlines support for Israel against Hamas terrorism, clarifying that sanctions are on individuals rather than the state of Israel. He emphasises unwavering support from the UK Government.
Warinder Juss
Lab
Wolverhampton West
The MP questions why Palestine cannot be recognised as a state, given commitments to a two-state solution and condemnation of illegal settlements. She urges an explanation based on current circumstances.
Johanna Baxter
Lab
Paisley and Renfrewshire South
The MP welcomes sanctions against violent settlers but highlights that food is still being used as a weapon of war. She asks how this can be stopped and what more can be done to ensure humanitarian aid reaches Gaza.
Lillian Jones
Lab
Kilmarnock and Loudoun
The MP welcomes Government steps but emphasises the urgency for unobstructed aid delivery, release of hostages, and recognition of Palestine. She seeks concrete actions to ensure aid reaches Gaza without delay or interference.
Sam Rushworth
Lab
Bishop Auckland
The MP supports sanctions on Israeli ministers but questions the Government's stance on recognising Palestine and international legal judgments regarding West Bank annexation. He seeks more actions to punish crimes in the West Bank.
Olivia Blake
Lab
Sheffield Hallam
The MP thanks for sanctions but emphasises that time is running out for a viable two-state solution due to expanding settlements. She urges reflection before international meetings next week.
Kim Johnson
Lab
Liverpool Riverside
Welcomed the Minister's announcement but argued that sanctions do not go far enough to stop settlement expansion or settler violence. She called for UK recognition of a Palestinian state at the upcoming UN conference.
Mark Sewards
Lab
Leeds South West and Morley
Welcomed the sanctions on extremist individuals but asked how the UK can support peacemakers in both Israel and Palestine, noting that Prime Minister Netanyahu relies heavily on these ministers for political survival.
Harpreet Uppal
Lab
Huddersfield
Welcomed the sanctions and called for UK recognition of Palestine at the upcoming UN conference. She inquired about discussions with the US regarding this goal.
Tracy Gilbert
Lab
Edinburgh North and Leith
Welcomed the sanctions and added her voice to the request for UK recognition of a Palestinian state, urging action at the upcoming UN conference.
James Asser
Lab
West Ham and Beckton
Welcomed the sanctions but argued that more needs to be done to support a viable Palestinian state. He called for immediate UK recognition of Palestine.
Polly Billington
Lab
East Thanet
Welcomed the sanctions in the context of other aid and trade measures but urged unequivocal, immediate and unconditional recognition of a Palestinian state at the upcoming UN conference.
Graeme Downie
Lab
Dunfermline and Dollar
Called for specific steps to support and strengthen those who want a peaceful future in Palestine. He asked about options available to the Minister to take action against anyone blocking a two-state solution.
Scott Arthur
Lab
Edinburgh South West
Discussed personal interactions with constituents affected by the conflict and urged the Minister to reconsider air and sea routes for aid delivery, arguing that inefficiency is not the aim but saving lives is.
Dan Tomlinson
Lab
Chipping Barnet
Welcomed the Minister's work and asked about further steps the Government will take towards achieving a ceasefire, more aid to Gaza, and the release of hostages.
Unspecified MP
Experience in international coalition building
Welcomes the sanctions against Smotrich and Ben-Gvir, recognises the Government’s actions in other contexts around the world related to human rights, corruption, and issues. Calls for the recognition of the state of Palestine and a credible timeline with allies to bring this about.
Falconer
Labour Party
Confirms that the Government will work with friends and allies to try to preserve a path to a two-state solution at next week’s conference, in accordance with the Member's suggestions.
Government Response
Reiterates the UK's commitment to a two-state solution and condemns violent rhetoric from Israeli officials such as Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir. Highlights £101 million support for Palestinians, sanctions on individuals responsible for human rights abuses, and calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and aid delivery. Emphasised that these sanctions are not the first step but rather part of a series of measures taken by the Government. Rejected suggestions of a deal with the US on recognition, stating that actions will continue to be based on alignment with allies and moral obligations. Defended the government's sanctions policy, emphasising it targets specific individuals rather than the entire state. Reiterated commitment towards a two-state solution but stressed current conditions are not conducive for such an outcome. Defends the government’s decision to impose sanctions, emphasising that while they are not a remedy, it is necessary to express the strength of their feelings towards Israeli actions. Reiterates commitment to international humanitarian law and diplomatic relations. The Minister clarified that sanctions are against individuals rather than their ministries or broader policies. He emphasised the binding nature of arms suspension decisions across the UK Government and denied accusations of inconsistency, reiterating the UK's leadership role in international efforts. Emphasises the importance of conducting diplomacy with allies and friends. Reaffirms commitment to providing aid, stopping settler violence, and preventing illegal settlements. Confirms engagement with Palestinian Authority on governance reforms. Emphasised the ongoing efforts by the UK government to address the conflict through sanctions, aid provision, and diplomatic engagement. Reaffirmed commitment to supporting a two-state solution. Confirming the Government's commitment to working with international partners towards preserving a path to a two-state solution.
Shadow Response
Priti Patel
Shadow Response
Considers the sanctioning of individuals as under review and questions the timing. Seeks assessment on impact and discussions with allies including the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Norway. Reiterates support for a two-state solution and urges Israel to avoid steps that could jeopardize this outcome.
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