← Back to House of Commons Debates
War in Gaza
07 May 2024
Lead MP
Andrew Mitchell
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Foreign Affairs
Other Contributors: 63
At a Glance
Andrew Mitchell raised concerns about war in gaza 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:
Government Statement
Thanking the shadow Foreign Secretary, Andrew Mitchell announces the British Government's stance on ending the conflict as soon as possible through securing a hostage release and ceasefire in Gaza. He expresses concern over Rafah and emphasises the need for immediate humanitarian aid access. Mitchell highlights Israel’s commitment to increased aid but urges it to be implemented immediately. The minister outlines long-term goals including hostages' release, dismantling Hamas rule, creating a new Palestinian Government, and advancing towards a two-state solution.
David Lammy
Lab
Tottenham
Question
Lammy queries the potential outcomes of an attack on Rafah, expressing concern about civilian displacement and adherence to rules of war. He questions whether there has been any assessment suggesting that an offensive could breach international humanitarian law.
Minister reply
Andrew Mitchell acknowledges the shadow Secretary's concerns but reassures him that Britain continues to work towards improving the situation through UN resolutions while emphasising alignment with Government policy on Rafah.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Stamford
Question
Kearns welcomes efforts made by government officials but seeks reassurances about aid access and worker protection in the face of a potential Rafah offensive. She raises concerns over infrastructure for civilian safety zones like Al-Mawasi and asks about proof of life for hostages held.
Minister reply
Andrew Mitchell affirms the urgent need to ensure international humanitarian law compliance, reiterating his earlier emphasis on securing a humanitarian pause in Gaza fighting to facilitate aid access and hostage release.
Brendan O'Hara
SNP
Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
Question
Asked the Minister about his previous statements on international humanitarian law in relation to Israel's offensive in Rafah, questioning whether UK sales of arms to Israel would be halted due to this breach. Also questioned if the pattern of declaring red lines for Israel only to have them ignored without consequence will continue.
Minister reply
Stated that there has been no plan yet from Israel that respects international humanitarian law and reiterated that the Government's position on export licences is unchanged, acting in accordance with legal advice though not publishing it.
Suella Braverman
Con
Fareham and Waterlooville
Question
Asked about the Government's stance on supporting Israel as it continues its operations against Hamas. Emphasised that Israel has a right to defend itself.
Minister reply
Acknowledged Israel’s right of self-defence but also stated that Israel must abide by international humanitarian law.
Hayes and Harlington
Question
Asked the Minister to take stronger action against Netanyahu, suggesting that if an attack on Rafah goes ahead, this Government would pursue him as a war criminal at the international courts.
Minister reply
Reiterated that the Government is working with allies through the United Nations to prevent such attacks and has made clear the effects of a military campaign in Rafah.
Question
Discussed the brutalities committed by Hamas, including mass killings, rapes, dismemberments, tortures, and kidnappings. Questioned if more pressure needs to be put on Hamas to release hostages and stop attacking aid points.
Minister reply
Emphasised that hostages are central to negotiations, and the Government is trying to strike a balance for an urgent ceasefire to allow hostage releases and aid distribution.
Question
Asked how optimistic the Minister was about sufficient hostages being released to ensure agreement between sides leading to a sustainable ceasefire.
Minister reply
Reiterated that the Government supports getting a resolution through ongoing negotiations, highlighting the importance of a pause in fighting for aid and hostage releases.
Kit Malthouse
Con
North West Hampshire
Question
Asked if there are any red lines set by the UK Government that Israel would cross leading to action from the British side.
Minister reply
Said that every effort has been made by the Government to alleviate the situation, and these efforts have been accepted in the United Nations through Security Council resolutions.
Richard Foord
Lib Dem
Honiton and Sidmouth
Question
Discussed statements from Yair Lapid advocating for returning abductees by sending teams to Cairo. Asked if UK would suspend arms exports to Israel.
Minister reply
Confirmed that both sides have sent teams to Cairo, awaiting developments with hope and optimism; stated that the Government's stance on arms exports follows legal advice.
Question
Called for an immediate ceasefire, questioning why the UK does not demand it as one of the most influential countries in the conflict.
Minister reply
Reiterated that achieving a pause leading to a sustainable ceasefire is exactly the Government's policy.
Question
Asked what plan the Government has for getting aid into Gaza now that Rafah and Kerem Shalom are inaccessible due to the invasion.
Minister reply
Acknowledged concern over aid distribution, noting efforts in airdropping assistance through maritime routes and road transport.
Therese Coffey
Con
Question
Constituents are understandably devastated by the current situation in Gaza and the need for aid distribution. Will the Minister ensure all resources possible are used to support maritime delivery and airdrops of aid?
Minister reply
We will continue boosting maritime efforts using British military assets, stores in Cyprus, and technology to clear equipment available there. We will do everything we can under difficult circumstances.
Clive Betts
Lab
Sheffield South East
Question
Netanyahu's objective is to raze Gaza to the ground. What are the consequences if Israel enters Rafah, and what measures are being considered against arms sales or sanctions?
Minister reply
We have repeatedly underlined the importance of international humanitarian law in our contacts with Prime Minister Netanyahu.
James Sunderland
Con
Question
Given the increasing compression of Rafah's population, will the Minister assure that everything possible is done to convince Israel about the need for precision and restraint?
Minister reply
The Government have repeatedly underlined the importance of Israel abiding by international humanitarian law.
Imran Hussain
Lab
Bradford East
Question
Despite disregard for international law, why has the UK not announced a strong response to support ICC's war crimes investigation or halt arms sales to Israel?
Minister reply
Britain is working with regional powers, the international community, and UN to stop the situation described.
Andrew Percy
Con
Question
Will a ceasefire include complete removal of Hamas from governance in Gaza?
Minister reply
The aim of defeating Hamas will not be achieved by allowing a humanitarian catastrophe. The Government oppose antisemitism and Islamophobia.
Beth Winter
Lab
Question
Will stringent sanctions on Israel, suspending military capability support, and offering ICJ/ICC processes investigating its actions be imposed?
Minister reply
We have made clear our view about an invasion of Rafah, but specific incidents require full investigations.
Rehman Chishti
Con
Question
Will the UK host an international donors conference for Palestine as it did with Syria?
Minister reply
When fighting is over, there may be a role for Britain to convene something of that sort.
Chris Law
SNP
Dundee Central
Question
Given the evidence of torture and summary executions in Rafah, does the UK Government consider an invasion of Rafah to be a breach of international humanitarian law?
Minister reply
Such questions are not susceptible to yes or no answers. We need full investigations.
Theresa Villiers
Con
Question
Will the Deputy Foreign Secretary acknowledge Israel’s right to take military action to recover hostages?
Minister reply
Israel has the right to self-defence and to take proportionate action to recover hostages under international law.
Steve McCabe
Lab
Question
How close are we to an agreement on an Arab-led body to maintain peace, order, and security?
Minister reply
A lot of work is ongoing to pinpoint and augment the sinews for a political future alongside trying to resolve the situation in Rafah.
Tobias Ellwood
Con
Newton Abbot
Question
The Deputy Foreign Secretary reminds us that we are now in the seventh month. Talks are not making progress, the hostages still have not been released and border crossings are closing; we are entering another dark chapter in this terrible conflict. The UN World Food Programme warns of a full-blown famine unless more aid can be delivered. This House is asking what we can do, so will the Deputy Foreign Secretary update us on the building of that new maritime port off Gaza? That is something that the international community can control, of which we can have full stakeholder ownership. Once it is operational, will British troops be involved in aid delivery?
Minister reply
In respect of my right hon. Friend’s final point, we will have to see what is required. Securing the temporary pier off the coast of Gaza is a way of getting additional aid in swiftly. He will know that the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Cardigan Bay is in the area, and is effectively the command post for this maritime effort. Britain is also thoroughly involved, just as it is from the air and from land, in detail in the maritime effort.
Afzal Khan
Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Question
The UK Government have long warned Israel that an invasion of Rafah must not happen. Civilian lives must be protected and aid must enter Gaza. Prime Minister Netanyahu has shown once again that he is not listening to his allies or the ICJ, and that he is hellbent on turning the whole of Gaza into a graveyard. Will the UK Government urgently impose a full arms embargo on Israel, which is the only thing the UK can do to try to stop the starvation and potential genocide of those left in Rafah?
Minister reply
The early part of the hon. Gentleman’s question set out what we are all trying to address. On an arms embargo, he will know that the amount of arms that Britain supplies is negligible. Equally, we operate an arms sales regime that is strictly governed by the rules that I have previously set out to the House. We act in line with the legal advice we receive, and we will continue to do so.
Tom Hunt
SNP
Central Ayrshire
Question
Of course I am greatly concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza right now, but I am also greatly concerned that nothing happens that gives Hamas an increased foothold in Gaza and puts them in a position to inflict more evil and misery, like that we saw on 7 October. I am also concerned that some of the proposed ceasefire agreements seem to involve releasing hundreds of Hamas terrorists and do not involve all of the hostages being released. Will the Deputy Foreign Secretary give me a commitment that we will intensify plans for a Hamas-free Gaza, so that innocent people in Gaza can look forward with hope to a future of peace?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is absolutely right that Hamas can have no role in Gaza in the future. Much of the work we are doing in that respect is designed to help to build up the Palestinian Authority, so that it can be involved in governing both the west bank and Gaza, as soon as the time is right.
George Galloway
Ind
Bethnal Green and Bow
Question
The Deputy Foreign Secretary’s answers today are virtually identical to those he gave, including to me, last Tuesday. The situation has escalated, but the Government’s response remains the same. There are 600,000 child hostages in Rafah alone. There is no proof of life from them, but millions of our people are watching on their phones today the proof of death and mutilation of many of them. The Government say they are doing everything they can, but they are not. You could now stop sending weapons to the people who are raining down this death and misery, and the Labour party could ask you to do that, but did not.
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman says that the answers I gave to him and others last Tuesday are the same. Those answers reflect, in so far as the parameters of the situation are the same, the fact that we are pursuing long-term policies designed to tackle the evils that have been set out so clearly this afternoon in the House. He also makes a point about the number of children who are denied food and medicine in Rafah. He will know that through medical aid and the British contribution, not least through a field hospital, Britain has been careful to ensure that where we can bring medical help, particularly to children, we are doing so.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Question
The 130-plus hostages have now been held for 214 days, in barbaric conditions, subject to rape and torture, and denied medical access from the International Red Cross. The sad reality is that Israel put a deal on the table that could have led to there being a ceasefire right now, in return for the release of some—not all—of the hostages and of Palestinian prisoners who have been convicted in courts of law. Secretary Blinken described that as an “extraordinarily generous” offer, yet Hamas refuse to accept it. Does my right hon. Friend take the view that Hamas have it in their power to accept the position of a ceasefire, so that the violence and war can come to an end naturally as a result?
Minister reply
The point that my hon. Friend makes, which has been echoed in different ways across the House, is that we must ensure we do everything we can to make certain that the negotiations that are taking place at the moment in Cairo make progress and are successful. That is what everyone should be hoping can be achieved tonight.
Jess Phillips
Lab
Birmingham Yardley
Question
What I think the Deputy Foreign Secretary has been saying to us today is that we have not seen a credible plan for evacuation from Rafah, and that there is currently an incursion into Rafah. If I add those two things up, what he is saying, between the lines, is that Israel has currently breached the rule that the UK has set. I do not think he wants to say it here, but that is what I am hearing. If there is no credible plan to move those people and the attack is ongoing, when can we expect, if not today, an update from the Dispatch Box on the UK’s position towards Israel, arms sales and other things that have been mentioned?
Minister reply
I have given the hon. Lady the update from the Dispatch Box, in so far as there is an update to give. She asks me about the words that we are using in respect of Rafah. I have made it clear that we have not seen a credible plan for military action in Rafah so far, so we are not able to judge whether it would be in accordance with international humanitarian law, and that is the point that I have been making to the House.
North Cotswolds
Question
Israel is our friend and ally, but that does not stop us questioning its actions. My right hon. Friend the Deputy Foreign Secretary says that he wants to see much more aid getting into Gaza. The actions in Gaza over the weekend have only made those miles-long queues of lorries even greater. Air and sea drops are difficult. Will he today, on behalf of the Government, appeal to our allies to allow those in those miles-long queues in Rafah to rapidly go into Gaza and relieve the suffering of the people there?
Minister reply
We continually appeal for more aid getting in by road. We have made arrangements for maritime entry, and entry from the air, but getting aid in through entry points on the road system is, by miles, the best way. I said at the outset of my remarks that we were very concerned indeed about the fact that no aid got in through Rafah or Kerem Shalom yesterday. We are doing everything we can, as we have been since the start of this crisis, to ensure that more aid is getting in, and we will continue to do so.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Question
The pro-Hamas network of the press, politicians and protesters is becoming increasingly hysterical in its efforts to stop Israel pursuing those who carried out the pogrom of murder, rape, torture and hostage-taking last October. Does the Minister accept that if there is to be long-term peace in the middle east, we must continue to support Israel—in its battle against Hamas, in defending itself, and in pursuing those who cynically hide behind innocent civilians today, and tomorrow use their death as a propaganda weapon?
Minister reply
The right hon. Gentleman makes the point that Israel has the right to self-defence, but I am sure that he would accept that it must be exercised within international humanitarian law.
Dawn Butler
Lab
Brent East
Question
Minister, what does “finish the job” mean, with 40,000 people dead, many of whom are children? Is it finished when every single man, woman, child and baby is dead in Gaza? Is that what “finish the job” means? The Government said that the invasion of Rafah would not comply with international law. The Minister says that we do not supply that many arms to Israel, but if we were to stop even that supply, would it not send the message that our Government abide by, and believe in the importance of, international law?
Minister reply
I hope that the hon. Lady will accept that although the Government do not publish the legal advice that they receive, they always act in accordance with it.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Question
My constituent Emily Fares has family in Gaza. Here is her message: “We heard from our family yesterday, half of them have now fled Rafah after threatening evacuation orders fell from the sky. When we spoke to them they did not know where they were going—they mentioned al-Mawasi, but there is no building for them to stay, it is not safe there. There are no food provisions there. There is nowhere to go to the toilet, nowhere to wash. They are now utterly destitute.” Forced displacement is a war crime. The Minister’s Government have it in their power to set up a scheme for people desperate to join family in the UK. If not now, when?
Minister reply
The right hon. Lady sets out the heart-rending reports that she has received. That is why the Government, with as much vigour and co-operation with our allies as possible, are trying to do the things that I have set out.
Florence Eshalomi
Lab Co-op
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
Question
The initial Israeli offence in Rafah began last night, and it has been described as “limited”. An operation is not limited if it results in the evacuation and forced displacement of around 100,000 people. An operation is not limited if it results in all crossings being closed, and humanitarian aid being completely halted. The House cannot downplay the significance of what is happening. The Minister said that the Government are doing everything they can, but will he make it clear from the Dispatch Box that the Government do not support this offensive, and that there must be consequences under international law if it goes ahead?
Minister reply
The Government have made it absolutely clear that we have yet to see a plan in respect of any military operations in Rafah, but we have always made it clear that any such plans must abide by international humanitarian law.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
Question
For months, the Minister has come to the Dispatch Box and told us that the Government are asking the Israeli Government to do this, or requesting that the Israeli Government do that. The harsh truth is that Israel is ignoring the UK Government, and that our Government now need to act. Words are not enough; we need action to show that there are consequences for breaching international law. The Government must act now by ending arms sales and suspending the trade talks, because if they do not do what is necessary and take action to help prevent the attack on Rafah, will the Israeli Government not see that as our Government giving them the green light to commit yet more war crimes?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman will have seen what the Foreign Secretary and the Prime Minister have said, and how we are working with our allies and countries in the region to try to improve the situation. He will know, as the whole House knows, that there is no magic solution. We have to persist with the arguments and the logic that are so clearly set out in United Nations Security Council resolutions 2720 and 2728, and we will continue to do so.
Question
Over the past seven months, I and many other Members across this House have come to the Chamber to gain an understanding of what the red lines are for the UK Government, but it feels like there are not many. It felt like it was not a red line when babies in Gaza were removed from the wombs of their dead mothers. It felt like it was not a red line when children in Gaza looked up to the sky, not knowing whether aid or bombs were going to drop on them. Now, in Rafah, displaced refugees once again face the threat of forcible transfer, and again it does not feel like this is a red line. Given that there is precedent for halting arms sales to Israel, will the UK Government finally halt those sales? If not, can the Deputy Foreign Secretary please explain to us what cost is associated with a Palestinian life? What are the red lines? What does Benjamin Netanyahu have to do that is too much?
Minister reply
The case that the hon. Lady makes should encourage everyone—the Government, but everyone else as well—to do everything they can to bring an end to this catastrophic conflict, which is causing such pain to so many.
Question
I will start as I always do: I condemn Hamas, and I think all refugees on both sides should be returned, but the attack on Rafah has started. The escalation of humanitarian disaster and catastrophe continues, in contravention of international law. There has been too much hand-wringing and making of excuses. We have to call it what it is: we stand here while people are starving and children are dying of malnutrition, and while there is no support for civilians in the area. The case has been made for hostages to be released; what will happen when Rafah is bombed? What will happen to those Israeli hostages? This policy is doomed from the start. Will the Deputy Foreign Secretary call for a ceasefire now and move forward?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman will know that the Government have consistently sought a pause, so that the hostages can get out and aid can get in, and have worked tirelessly, I would argue, to try to ensure that aid does get in, including by inventing new ways of trying to achieve that. He started his question by pointing out that an attack had started in Rafah, but he will also know that negotiations are proceeding in Cairo, and we must hope that those negotiations are successful as quickly as possible.
Jessica Morden
Lab
Newport East
Question
With nowhere safe for Palestinians to go, and overcrowding in places such as al-Mawasi, I ask again: where exactly do the UK Government think Palestinians displaced from eastern Rafah should go next? If the Deputy Foreign Secretary has no answer, why does the Government’s response remain the same?
Minister reply
As I have repeatedly made clear, we think that there needs to be a pause in the fighting that can, as I have expressed on numerous occasions in the House, lead to a sustainable ceasefire.
Question
Is it not time to recognise that Israel’s actions are not a disproportionate response to 7 October, but in fact part of a concerted plan to make Gaza unliveable, and to extirpate the Palestinian population there, while encroaching on Palestinian territories in the occupied west bank? As a result, is it not time that we ceased arms sales, stopped being complicit in Israel’s military actions, reinstated United Nations Relief and Works Agency aid, and joined other nations in condemning this dreadful genocide?
Minister reply
As I have said to the House before, I do not think it is helpful to use terms such as “genocide”. It is important that the House recognises that the findings of the International Court of Justice have been misrepresented in that respect. Joan Donoghue, a former president of the ICJ who was still serving at the time of the preliminary decision, stated that the ICJ
“did not decide that the claim of genocide was plausible”.
Rushanara Ali
Lab
Bethnal Green and Stepney
Question
The Minister talks about a pause; the United Nations voted for a resolution calling for a ceasefire. The Minister is now talking about looking at Israeli military plans for Gaza, when the international community has thus far made it clear that there should not be an invasion of Gaza. It feels as if he is going backwards. His Government have so far failed to restore UNRWA funding, which is making the matter and the misery worse. He has failed to take action to ensure that the Government support the implementation of the ICJ’s provisional measures and the International Criminal Court investigation of the Occupied Palestinian Territories. He has a good track record, but he is failing us by taking us backwards on this important issue. When will he take action on those specific measures?
Minister reply
I do not recognise the early part of the hon. Lady’s question, but let me assure her, as I have assured the House in the past, that we are doing everything we can to address the dreadful situation that she has so eloquently articulated.
Apsana Begum
Lab
Poplar and Limehouse
Question
The Minister’s reply on 17 April to my written question referred to wanting
“to see Israel take greater care to limit its operations to military targets”.
Can he confirm that he is finally aware that Israel has not limited its onslaught to military targets? Given that the Government’s own licensing criteria refer to the
“risk that the items might be used to…facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law…or serious acts of violence against women or children”,
how can continuing to arm Israel in its bombardment of Palestinian civilians possibly be justified?
Minister reply
The hon. Lady refers to a number of early incidents, which have been condemned. She will know that, in respect of each of those incidents, the Government have said that we want an independent and credible investigation and transparent conclusions, so that we know why and how those acts took place.
Liam Byrne
Lab
Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North
Question
The Minister has said that the policy has not changed, but the facts on the ground have. Ordering the evacuation of 100,000 people is not a small operation; it is big one. He knows that the clear test for suspending arms sales is a clear risk of a breach of humanitarian law, but he has told the House this afternoon that he has no assurances that that breach is impossible because he has not seen a plan. Can he tell the House what advice he has given the Department for Business and Trade, and when, about its legal obligation to suspend arms sales now? Will he lay that out for us this afternoon, before he gives evidence to the Select Committee on Business and Trade on 21 May?
Minister reply
The position on arms sales and legal advice is clear, as the right hon. Gentleman will be aware. He knows that we always follow carefully the legal advice, although we do not publish it, and we always act in accordance with it. He will also know that, in the light of that legal advice, as the Foreign Secretary announced on 9 April, the UK position with regard to export licences remains unchanged.
Andrew Western
Lab
Stretford and Urmston
Question
Gaza is bleeding and Gaza is starving. At least 34,700 people are dead, the majority of them women and children, while a man-made famine continues to take hold. How much further do things need to escalate before this Government finally take action, restore UNRWA funding and—finally—call for an immediate ceasefire?
Minister reply
The hon. Member raises the issue of UNRWA, which was also raised by his hon. Friend the Member for Bethnal Green and Bow (Rushanara Ali) and I should have responded on that point. Britain is currently in a position of not owing any money to UNRWA, we have said that we are considering the Colonna report and we are waiting for the Office of Internal Oversight Services report. In due course, we will come to the House to tell it the decision we have made, but it is important to recognise that at the current time Britain is fully paid up in respect of UNRWA’s money and work.
Question
More than 14,500 children have been killed in Gaza. Is the Minister proud that the UK continues to sell arms for use in this action?
Minister reply
I am proud that Britain is doing everything it can and that the Government are bending every sinew to try to resolve this desperate situation and to make sure that we get aid into Gaza—“flood” Gaza with aid, as the Israeli Government have promised—but also get out the hostages, whose families have suffered so much since the appalling pogrom on 7 October.
Question
The Deputy Foreign Secretary has said that he is still waiting to see the military plans from Israel in relation to Rafah, but we are all watching the consequences of the execution of those plans, which is already under way. Part of what we have seen overnight has been the very deliberate destruction of any signage that describes the territory as Gaza, and the taking down of Palestinian flags and replacing them with Israeli flags. That is not necessary in any way to neutralise any security threat. Has he asked Israel what it is doing and why it has done that, and can he give me one example of a consequence now that this red line has been crossed?
Minister reply
We continue to make it clear to Israel that it should not in these circumstances be conducting military operations in Rafah until there is a proper plan that ensures it stands by its duties and responsibilities under international humanitarian law.
Feryal Clark
Lab
Enfield North
Question
Thousands of children killed, hostages not released, Israel accused of war crimes—can the Minister make it clear that the UK Government do not support the Rafah offensive?
Minister reply
I have made it crystal clear where the Government stand on the issue of any Rafah offensive and we will continue to do everything we can to bring about an urgent resolution.
Alistair Carmichael
Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
Question
What possible basis in law is there for continuing to supply weapons to Israel given the number of civilian casualties?
Minister reply
Decisions on weapons licences are made based on the rules set down, governed by legal advice received from lawyers.
Andrew Gwynne
Ind
Gorton and Denton
Question
If there is a breach of international law due to the Rafah offensive, at which point will the British Government be complicit?
Minister reply
All countries must abide by international humanitarian law, with consequences for non-compliance. Britain expects others to do likewise.
Gavin Newlands
SNP
Paisley and Renfrewshire North
Question
If this is found to be a genocide and Netanyahu a war criminal, will the Government and country not be complicit?
Minister reply
The Government seek to bring about resolution with allies in the region and internationally.
Nadia Whittome
Lab
Nottingham East
Question
Why is it different for Palestinians? What will it take for this Government to call for an immediate ceasefire, stop arms sales to Israel, and hold Netanyahu to account?
Minister reply
The Government are trying on various fronts to bring about resolution. The Government use their money and influence diplomatically.
Stella Creasy
Lab Co-op
Walthamstow
Question
Will the Minister be honest? He will not tell us why he will not suspend arms sales, but what is our intelligence on British-made weapons used in Rafah?
Minister reply
The Government are clear on handling issues related to arms sales based on precedent.
Helen Hayes
Lab
Dulwich and West Norwood
Question
Where is the accountability? What actions is he taking to ensure implementation of UN Security Council resolution requiring a ceasefire?
Minister reply
The Government have been clear on expectations. They use money and influence diplomatically.
Jim McMahon
Lab Co-op
Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton
Question
Given what he has said, is he content with UK-supplied arms being used in the Rafah offensive? If not, what will he do about it?
Minister reply
The Government stand clear on handling issues related to arms sales based on precedent.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central
Question
Why does he refuse to hold Israel to account for what is happening there?
Minister reply
The Government have been clear on accountability in the conflict, and will continue to be so.
Fleur Anderson
Lab
Putney
Question
Why will the Government not increase funding to UNWRA to solve health and sanitation issues?
Minister reply
The Government are going through a process regarding future commitments to UNWRA, with full funding met currently.
Andy McDonald
Lab
Middlesbrough and Thornaby East
Question
Given the evidence in High Court that says no legal advice has been received on potential violations of international law since 29 February, what confidence does he have regarding licensed equipment sales?
Minister reply
Decisions are made based on rules set down and legal advice from lawyers.
Question
Asked if the Government’s position is that individuals escaping Gaza and entering the UK by irregular means should be deported to Rwanda.
Minister reply
The minister stated he would respond with specifics when presented with a particular case.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Question
Expressed concern about the lack of Government levers used to influence Israel's behaviour, citing UN rulings on 'plausible risk of genocide' in relation to UK arms licensing.
Minister reply
The minister refuted the claim regarding ICJ ruling and stated that using terms like ‘genocide’ was unhelpful.
James Murray
Lab Co-op
Ealing North
Question
Asked about steps taken by UK Government to ensure international pressure for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
Minister reply
The minister confirmed the British government’s policy aims and its ongoing efforts with allies to achieve a sustainable ceasefire, significant aid delivery, and hostage release.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
Asked how UK Government can work with Israel to secure hostages’ release and an end to hostilities.
Minister reply
The minister stated the government’s policy aligns with the hon. Member's points about Israel’s rights, emphasising continued efforts towards resolution.
Matt Western
Lab
Warwick and Leamington
Question
Cited former US envoy Dennis Ross' comments on Netanyahu needing to choose between Biden and Smotrich, asking if the government agrees they are at a critical moment.
Minister reply
The minister affirmed the importance of aid entering Gaza and supported maritime and air initiatives for this purpose.
Ruth Jones
Lab
Newport West and Islwyn
Question
Asked if the Government’s policy has failed, whether it breaches international humanitarian law, and what consequences will follow.
Minister reply
The minister highlighted government efforts to increase aid flow into Gaza, agreeing on the importance of transparency in accountability.
Question
Asked if cutting off aid routes to civilian population constitutes a breach of ICJ interim report.
Minister reply
The minister stated ongoing efforts to ensure aid enters Gaza through various means, emphasising the importance of increasing aid volumes.
Question
Asked about UK civil servants' rights to take independent legal advice on contributing to crimes against humanity or war crimes in Gaza.
Minister reply
The minister assured that roles and rights of British civil servants are clearly codified, with the government respecting their independence.
Shadow Comment
David Lammy
Shadow Comment
David Lammy criticises the lack of government statement on urgent matters in Gaza. He raises concerns about an offensive in Rafah and its humanitarian implications, calling for adherence to international law. Lammy asks specific questions regarding risks and consequences of attacking Rafah and requests clarity on assessments from FCO officials concerning breaches of international laws.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.