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Israel and Gaza
27 February 2024
Lead MP
Andrew Mitchell
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Foreign Affairs
Other Contributors: 66
At a Glance
Andrew Mitchell raised concerns about israel and 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
The Minister commenced by congratulating the Speaker on a recent visit. He then outlined the Government's stance on the situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, condemning Hamas’s actions while expressing concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The statement emphasised the need for an immediate humanitarian pause to facilitate hostage release and increase aid delivery. Mitchell highlighted that Britain has tripled its aid commitment this financial year and mentioned specific initiatives like airdropping supplies to hospitals and providing funds for reproductive health services. He also called for increased aid flow, urging Israel to open more crossing points and support the UN in distributing aid effectively across Gaza. The Minister expressed concern over the prospect of military incursions into Rafah and reaffirmed Britain's commitment to supporting a two-state solution, while stressing that this would require concrete steps from the Palestinian Authority towards reform.
David Lammy
Lab
Tottenham
Question
Will the Minister tell the Israeli Government that humanitarian visas must be renewed now to ensure aid can flow into Gaza unimpeded, and will he assure us of clear communication regarding a full offensive on Rafah?
Minister reply
The minister did not provide specific answers in the provided transcript but reiterates the need for an immediate pause to facilitate hostage release and increase humanitarian aid flow.
David Lammy
Lab
Tottenham
Question
Lammy thanked the Minister for advance sight of his statement, expressing disappointment over the Foreign Secretary's absence. He highlighted continuing civilian deaths and other issues in Gaza and Israel, emphasising that aid must flow unimpeded now and visas renewed for humanitarian workers. Lammy also asked about progress regarding a truce and hostages and if Britain should recognise Palestinian statehood.
Minister reply
Andrew Mitchell thanked the shadow Foreign Secretary and noted significant agreement with Labour's position. He detailed ongoing efforts to negotiate, highlighted recent successful aid truck entries into Gaza, and emphasised that both sides must work towards a sustainable ceasefire.
Kit Malthouse
Con
North West Hampshire
Question
Malthouse asked about concrete steps the Government is taking to enforce the International Court of Justice ruling on the conflict. He inquired if an assault on Rafah would be in line with international humanitarian law.
Minister reply
Andrew Mitchell confirmed that ICJ rulings must be respected, but noted a recent legal assessment suggesting it was not possible at the time to declare Israel's breach of international humanitarian law.
Brendan O'Hara
SNP
Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
Question
O'Hara criticised the UK for its role in selling weapons to Israel and supporting an illegal occupation. He questioned actions regarding a US deal at the UN, stopping weapon sales, funding an ICC investigation of Israel's conflict prosecution.
Minister reply
Andrew Mitchell denied that the Government looked the other way and highlighted Britain’s tough weapons regulation regime. He emphasised ongoing efforts to get humanitarian aid into Gaza despite harsh criticism.
Question
Crabb asked for more details on concrete steps towards reform, including ending corruption in the Palestinian Authority and changes to the school curriculum that incites violence.
Minister reply
Andrew Mitchell outlined the British five-point plan addressing many of the issues raised by Crabb, including forming a new Palestinian Government, international support packages, removing Hamas's attack capacity, and providing a political horizon towards a two-state solution.
Sarah Champion
Lab
Rotherham
Question
My Committee and I were at the Gaza border last week trying to get first-hand testimony of the 2 million stories of suffering that now represent Gaza. What can I say to the House? We know that civilians, humanitarians and medics are being killed, so will the Minister urge Israeli defence to ensure that the algorithms protect the people that they are supposed to under international humanitarian law?
Minister reply
The Chairman of the Select Committee makes a very good point. Targeting in Israel is subject to lawyers being present in the room and legal advice.
Mark Pritchard
Con
The Wrekin
Question
On the post-conflict governance of both the west bank and Gaza, does the Minister share with me some concern that while the Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority has resigned, there are still key Fatah people in place? Why does he think that Fatah will be part of the—albeit technocratic—post-conflict governance solution for both the west bank and Gaza?
Minister reply
The new Government on the west bank who have resulted from the resignation of the Prime Minister over the weekend are an interim Government.
Richard Foord
Lib Dem
Honiton and Sidmouth
Question
I welcome the Minister calling publicly for Israel to limit its military operations to military targets. In turn, we should recall that hostage taking is strictly prohibited under international humanitarian law. Does the Minister agree with us that negotiations should begin from the position that the Palestinian state should be based on the 1967 borders?
Minister reply
A very clear process is going on.
Question
I know that the Government are doing everything they can to get food into Gaza, but we hear increasing numbers of reports of malnourishment and even starvation of adults and children. Will the Government say to the Israelis that there really is no acceptable reason to not allow food in now?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is right: there is no acceptable reason.
Afzal Khan
Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Question
The Minister told the SNP spokesperson, that there needs to be some balance, yet the word “accountability” seemed to be missing from his statement. The UK Government recognise the jurisdiction and independence of the ICJ, which is investigating alleged war crimes and genocidal actions of the Israeli Government in Gaza. Will the Minister confirm that his Government recognise that Israel has an obligation to comply with the ICJ’s ruling?
Minister reply
We are very much in favour of accountability and transparency.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Question
In attempting to build confidence for a humanitarian pause, we have to remember that the last time a pause was negotiated, Hamas broke it, rearmed and started firing again. What measures will my right hon. Friend take to ensure that the precondition for a humanitarian pause is the release of hostages; that international aid actually gets to the people who need it, and is not diverted by Hamas?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is correct. He underlines the great difficulty in negotiating and agreeing a pause or ceasefire when one of the parties is absolutely clear that they do not want one.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Question
What is the Minister’s assessment of the effect of the UK’s abstention on last week’s Security Council vote on the US and its position?
Minister reply
We are working towards a further United Nations Security Council resolution. Britain is continuing, as it has from the start, to try to bring people together behind the common position.
Alec Shelbrooke
Con
Wetherby and Easingwold
Question
Hamas is a terrorist organisation full of rapists, murderers and repressors—that cannot be overlooked at any time in these conversations. The reality is that the Gaza area has had hundreds of millions of dollars invested in it. Will the Minister ensure that as part of that rebuilding, the aid that will need to go in is used effectively to make that area the prosperous area it can be once it is free from the tyranny of those terrorists?
Minister reply
My right hon. Friend sets out very well one of the key aspects of the five-point plan.
Question
Just a few weeks ago, in a debate on arms exports to Israel, the Minister for Trade Policy told Westminster Hall that we take our obligations in this space exceptionally seriously. The circumstances are tragic and brutal: Gaza is being razed to the ground and civilians actively targeted, potentially using the very equipment that the UK is exporting to Israel. What exactly will it take for this Government to suspend arms exports to Israel?
Minister reply
The position that the Minister set out in Westminster Hall was absolutely correct.
Question
A ceasefire is a contract between two sides that is overseen by a third party. Neither side is agreeing to a ceasefire right now, nor is there a third party in place to oversee it. I invite the Minister—as he has alluded to in his remarks—to quietly bring together the Opposition parties at No. 10 to see whether a consensus line can be agreed to avoid this House returning to the circus we saw last week.
Minister reply
I thank the former Chairman of the Defence Committee for his wise and sensible approach.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
Question
It has been three months since the pause between 24 and 30 November, and at that point the aid could not reach people because of the infrastructure challenges. Today, those infrastructure challenges have escalated. Why will the Minister not review his position in light of the fact that, to date, it has not achieved what it needs to: ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches all the people who need it?
Minister reply
The hon. Member accurately sets out the fact that what was hoped for some weeks and months ago has not been realised.
Question
Given the humanitarian situation in Gaza, what does the Minister think is stopping Hamas releasing the hostages?
Minister reply
Dealing with an organisation such as Hamas is extraordinarily difficult.
Alistair Carmichael
Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
Question
Have the Government of Israel yet shared with His Majesty’s Government their purported evidence of United Nations Relief and Works Agency complicity in the attacks of 7 October, and if so, when did they do it?
Minister reply
The review of UNRWA is being conducted by the independent UN Office of Internal Oversight Services and Catherine Colonna. The evidence required for these reviews should be delivered to both organisations.
James Sunderland
Ind
Question
Can the Minister confirm that everything possible is being done with international partners to demand Israeli restraint?
Minister reply
Yes, the Government are working closely with international partners to ensure restraint by Israel.
David Linden
SNP
Glasgow East
Question
How can £4.25 million of new funding for UN reproductive health agency be compared with UK arms sales that have resulted in the deaths of thousands of children?
Minister reply
The Government have tripled aid to the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and while the figure may seem small, it is carefully allocated to areas where it can make a difference.
Rehman Chishti
Con
Gillingham and Rainham
Question
Can the UK lead for an immediate ceasefire and ensure that religious places of worship are protected?
Minister reply
A ceasefire cannot be willed unless both sides agree. The Government are working towards a humanitarian pause to get hostages out and aid in, and pushing for protection of religious sites.
Lilian Greenwood
Lab
Nottingham South
Question
Have the UK Government sought assurance that Israel will not launch a ground invasion of Rafah?
Minister reply
The Government have given their strong advice on this issue, and the voice of Parliament has been heard.
Anna Firth
Con
Hemel Hempstead
Question
What are we doing to ensure that £4.25 million for UN reproductive health agency reaches Palestinian women?
Minister reply
The Government are committed to making the aid available and will seek opportunities to do more if they arise.
Imran Hussain
Lab
Bradford East
Question
Does the Minister see a flaw in arguing for more aid while not endorsing ICJ's interim ruling?
Minister reply
Efforts are ongoing to get aid through Rafah, and Britain is pushing for increased entry points.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Question
Does the Minister share concern that Hamas misappropriates humanitarian aid?
Minister reply
Hamas does not care about the suffering in Gaza and uses its population as a human shield for violent activities.
Drew Hendry
SNP
Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey
Question
Will continuing to sell arms to Israel result in fewer innocent civilians losing their lives?
Minister reply
Britain has the toughest arms export regulations, guided by legal and independent committee advice.
Richard Graham
Con
Gloucester
Question
What progress has been made on talks for a six-week pause to allow more aid in and hostages out?
Minister reply
Negotiations aim to achieve a humanitarian pause, with 94 trucks entering Gaza on Sunday compared to 220 on 22 February.
Florence Eshalomi
Lab Co-op
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
Question
Will the Government listen and join calls for an immediate ceasefire before Ramadan?
Minister reply
An immediate ceasefire cannot be willed; efforts focus on achieving a pause and then a ceasefire.
Jeremy Corbyn
Ind
Islington North
Question
What military aid has been sent to Israel, what is the nature of military cooperation, and will more arms be supplied until ICJ judgment is adhered to?
Minister reply
Issues are governed by British law, and Government plans adhere to arrangements set out previously.
Andrew Slaughter
Lab
Hammersmith and Chiswick
Question
The weakness in the Minister’s statement is that it makes his Government a commentator rather than an actor in the situation in Gaza. If this House and our international partners speak with one voice in calling for an immediate ceasefire, it would carry more weight with the Government of Israel. If he accepts that the absence of a ceasefire has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands, and the horrific suffering of 2 million Palestinian civilians, does he not have a duty to call for a ceasefire now? Would that make the Government’s case stronger?
Minister reply
As I have set out, a ceasefire that collapses back into fighting within weeks is not in anyone’s interest. The hon. Gentleman suggests that the Government are a spectator, but nothing could be further from the truth. If he looks at what the Foreign Secretary has been doing, at the way Britain’s humanitarian representative in the Gulf has been acting, and at all the discussions that have been going on in the region and at the UN, he will see that Britain is at the forefront of trying to achieve a humanitarian pause, leading to a sustainable ceasefire, and that is what we will continue to do.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Question
The Foreign Secretary has called for a stop to the fighting now, but the Ministry of Defence signed a contract with arms manufacturer Elbit Systems on 17 January. That company reportedly supplies up to 85% of Israel’s drones and land-based military equipment. The Minister called for advice in looking at how arms are exported. Does he not agree that in light of that, the UK’s approach appears to be deeply hypocritical? What advice does he need to stop the sales of arms?
Minister reply
I do not agree with that, for reasons that I hope I have set out clearly to the House.
Apsana Begum
Lab
Poplar and Limehouse
Question
Only an immediate ceasefire can protect civilians and implement the ICJ’s historic plausible genocide ruling. With Ramadan less than 15 days away, aid agencies warn that a ground offensive in Rafah could be catastrophic for the 1.5 million people taking shelter there, including 600,000 children. If the Government only call for an immediate ceasefire if and when a full ground offensive in Rafah begins, what assessment has been made of whether they will have upheld their own obligations under international law, particularly in relation to the ICJ’s provisional measures, including measures around the prevention of genocide?
Minister reply
I understand the passion with which the hon. Lady speaks, but simply calling for an immediate ceasefire will not make it happen. The best chance to stop the fighting is for an agreement in the hostage negotiations, which we can then use as the opportunity to deliver a full and permanent ceasefire.
Question
The Minister keeps referring to the Government’s amendment last week, but those are just words on bits of paper in the recycle bin. They could have been the resolution of this House, but the Government chose not to give this House that choice. Instead, the resolution of this House is that there should be an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. What message does it send to the UN Security Council and wider international community if the Government will not adopt the language that has been agreed by the democratic legislature to which they are accountable, namely this House of Commons?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman is rewriting history. Last week saw the Leader of the House, a member of the Government, defending the rights of minority parties, in particular the hon. Gentleman’s party, from this Dispatch Box.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
I thank the Minister for his statement and for his answers, which have been helpful to everyone in the House. What progress has been made to attempt to reunite the Israeli hostages with their families? What progress has been made to ensure that refugees who have to leave their homes can stay in family groups and will have access to food, water and a semblance of education?
Minister reply
On the hon. Gentleman’s final point, we will continue to do everything we can in that respect, and I am grateful for his comments about my answers being helpful to the whole of the House. He asked about the hostages, and he will have seen newspaper reports over the weekend about the hostage negotiations. Although I cannot comment in any detail on those negotiations, all of us are hoping that they will continue to make progress, ultimately to success.
Matt Western
Lab
Warwick and Leamington
Question
Clearly the need for humanitarian aid is desperate. We are hearing reports of forced relocation up to 15 times, and many people in Gaza are reduced to eating weeds and birdfeed, with healthcare reduced to medieval methods. Clearly an immediate humanitarian ceasefire is required. Does the Minister agree that the 500 vehicles a day need to be restored as a matter of urgency, and that we should also look to restore and support UNRWA?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman is entirely right that we need a massive increase in the number of trucks getting into Gaza. He will have seen that we have been working with the Jordanian armed forces. There was a drop of important humanitarian support last week, and we hope very much that there will be more. He will also have seen that we have been working on the maritime side too. A meeting is going on today, but the hope is that it may be possible to pre-clear humanitarian aid and support. That would require the use of Ashdod as an entry point into Israel, and the Government are doing everything we can to facilitate that.
Stephen Timms
Lab
East Ham
Question
On UNRWA, the inquiries that the Minister has told the House about will no doubt take some time, but having a hobbled UNRWA is undoubtedly exacerbating the humanitarian crisis that he has fully acknowledged. What consideration is he giving to urgently resuming UK funding to UNRWA?
Minister reply
As the right hon. Gentleman will know, Britain has fully funded UNRWA, and under our agreement with it, no funds from Britain are due until the next financial year. I can tell him that both Norway and Guyana have put forward additional funding in recent days that will mean UNRWA is at least fully funded until the end of March.
Question
Development assistance for the Occupied Palestinian Territories had already reduced from £95 million in 2013 to £26 million in 2023, before the suspension of UNRWA funding. Despite questions today and specific written questions, the Government have refused to declare what the source was for the basis of the allegations, and where that source came from, leaving many to speculate that it is simply Israeli allegations or Israeli propaganda. Other countries, including Ireland and Spain, are continuing to fund UNRWA. Will the Government not ensure that UNRWA funding is restored, to avoid the perversity that we can find weapons and munitions for Ukraine, but not money for humanitarian aid in Gaza?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman will know that we are waiting for the interim report—the forensic report—into collusion, which the UN Office of Independent Oversight is preparing. It is right to wait for that report and Catherine Colonna’s report as well. As I explained to the right hon. Member for East Ham (Sir Stephen Timms), British funding is up to date, and it will be paused until we have seen those reports, but additional funding has been made available to UNRWA. As the House will accept, UNRWA’s logistical support—its warehouses and vehicles—are essential to the distribution of aid within Gaza.
Erith and Thamesmead
Question
On UNRWA funding, I want to follow up on his comments that we are up to date and waiting on the report. Can he give some assurances today that the Government will commit to bringing back the funding? What are the timescales on that?
Minister reply
The issue of British funding to UNRWA does not arise until the next financial year, but it is only right that we wait for the two reports. As I say, one is from the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services, and the other is from the former French Foreign Minister. We are seeking an interim report so that progress one way or the other can be made.
Question
Will the UK Government take the evidence of the collective punishment in Gaza with the dehumanisation of Palestinians in the occupied west bank and come to the conclusion that the Israeli Government are authorising an oppressive regime with the goal of the complete displacement of the Palestinian people?
Minister reply
No, Madam Deputy Speaker.
Question
I make a plea to the Minister to go one step further and join the chorus, now including our allies in Australia, Canada and New Zealand, calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire now. It would send a powerful message.
Minister reply
I have explained to the House that no matter how desirable it might be to achieve an immediate ceasefire, just calling for one and willing it will not make it happen. That is why the British Government have set out clearly, along with our allies, what the necessary steps are to reach the conclusion that the whole House would devoutly like to see.
Wendy Chamberlain
Lib Dem
North East Fife
Question
Returning to the recent ICJ ruling, as I understand it one of the problems is that no country has ever responded to a call for pre-emptive steps when the court has made such a ruling. Part of that challenge is that no clear criteria have previously been set out for any country to meet. Can the Minister have discussions with his counterparts about agreeing a set of steps that would be made available to countries in the future, so that everyone can meet their obligations?
Minister reply
The hon. Lady makes an interesting theoretical and legal point, and I suggest that those discussions might go on usefully between theorists and lawyers.
Jeff Smith
Lab
Manchester Withington
Question
I have raised with the Minister and other Ministers the case of my constituent who is trying to get his wife and baby daughter through the Rafah crossing. Very frustratingly, he cannot get the mother on to the approved list. I know it is not the only case like that. Will the Minister focus with a renewed urgency to press the Israeli and Egyptian authorities to resolve these delays and make sure that these people can get through to safety?
Minister reply
My answer to the hon. Gentleman is yes. He and I have discussed the specific case, as well as the general cases to which he is alluding. I can tell him that the experts in the Foreign Office, extremely experienced in these matters, are doing everything they possibly can to advance that objective.
Patricia Gibson
SNP
Glasgow North East
Question
The horror and huge numbers of casualties in Gaza are unfolding for all the world to see. Alone of the three largest parties in this House, the SNP has called for an immediate ceasefire—not a humanitarian pause or a humanitarian ceasefire. We have also called for an end to collective punishment, which constitutes a war crime and has cost 30,000 lives so far and left 500,000 facing death by starvation. Our constituents are rightly outraged. Regardless of the Minister’s personal views, does he share my concern that Members of this House have been denied a recorded vote to express their views on these life or death matters, which is what our constituents want to see?
Minister reply
Without revisiting the events of last week, I have no doubt of the worry of our constituents to which the hon. Lady refers. That is why I set out at the beginning why I think the British Government’s position, as articulated in the contents of the amendment that I failed to move last week, commands widespread support among our constituents. Although it was not voted on, as she rightly says, the amendment sets out the Government’s position, which I think should be widely supported among our constituents.
Emma Hardy
Lab
Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice
Question
Some 5% of children under the age of two are malnourished in Rafah. I note that in the Minister’s statement, he expressed concern about the prospect of military incursion, but Rafah cannot happen; the consequences would be unbearable. Will the Minister go further, and do everything he can with the international community to prevent the Rafah invasion from occurring?
Minister reply
On the hon. Lady’s first point, she is right about the degree of malnutrition, and that is why Britain is working closely with UNICEF and the World Food Programme. She set out the huge humanitarian consequences of a military attack on Rafah, and she will have seen what the Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary and I have said about the dangers of that.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Question
The possibility of an end to the killing—whatever we call it—brings hope in Gaza, Israel and, indeed, here, but I fear that divisions in our communities will remain. Many constituents have written to me upset at the difference they see in how Palestinian lives, Palestinian dignity and Islamophobia are valued in comparison with Israeli lives, Israeli dignity and antisemitism. Can the Minister go some way to perhaps addressing those concerns by condemning, for example, the Israeli Ministers and others who have ruled out a Palestinian state? Will he condemn the occupation, as well as settler violence? Will he condemn the Israeli soldiers who filmed themselves posing on the bicycles of dead Gazan children or rifling through the clothes of dead Gazan women?
Minister reply
Let me make it clear, as the Prime Minister has, that in our country there is no tolerance whatever for antisemitism or Islamophobia. I reiterate that at the hon. Lady’s request across the Dispatch Box. She asked me about the importance of ensuring that all lives are treated equally and whether we care deeply about all those who are suffering in this conflict. Let me assure the House that we do.
Caroline Lucas
Green
Brighton Pavilion
Question
In response to my many written questions, the Government continue to say that they are keeping arms export licences under review, including with regard to international humanitarian law, and they confirm that Ministers are able to amend, suspend or revoke licences as circumstances require. One of the licences currently in place allows L3Harris in my constituency to manufacture components for the kinds of F-35 fighter planes used by the Israel Defence Forces in Gaza. Will the Minister publish the details of any reviews that have taken place? Will he tell us what threshold the Government are waiting to be crossed before they will suspend or revoke licences while there is a risk that they are being used to commit or to facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian law?
Minister reply
I will look into the burden of what the hon. Lady has said. If she tables a written question on precisely that point today, I will give her the Government’s answer.
Paula Barker
Lab
Liverpool Wavertree
Question
The situation in Rafah is at a critical juncture. Disease and famine are setting in, and millions of Palestinians have nowhere else to go after being told by the Israeli Government to move south—the very place where the Israeli Government are now threatening military action—for their own safety. So far, the Israeli Government have remained belligerent in the face of international pressure to show restraint. Beyond words of advice and to “express deep concern”—to quote the Minister—what will be the response from the British Government if Israel decides to launch a ground offensive in Rafah?
Minister reply
The hon. Lady asks a theoretical question. What I can tell her is that the British Government are working together with our allies through the United Nations, and our friends and contacts throughout the region, to advance the situation in the way I set out in my statement. That is to try to ensure that there is a humanitarian pause, which enables us to get the hostages out and to get aid and humanitarian relief in, leading to a sustained ceasefire. That must be the right thing to seek to achieve, and that is what the Government will continue to attempt to do.
Deidre Brock
SNP
Edinburgh North and Leith
Question
It has been suggested that if what Israel has done in Gaza becomes the accepted standard of self-defence, that core principle, which is meant to protect us all and is at the core of the international world order on which democracies are founded, is greatly undermined. How does the Minister respond to that?
Minister reply
An unprecedented set of calamities has taken place. I reiterate that Israel has the absolute right of self-defence but must remain within international humanitarian law. It is important to hang on to those principles as we navigate this catastrophe.
Ruth Cadbury
Lab
Brentford and Isleworth
Question
Like Members across the House, I have had hundreds of emails from concerned constituents who are horrified by what they are seeing in Gaza—in particular, by scenes in hospitals where children have been operated on without anaesthetic. Will the Minister outline what specific steps the UK Government are taking to ensure that people from Gaza can get the medical treatment they so badly need?
Minister reply
We are acting at every level to achieve the results that the hon. Lady and I both want. That is seen in: the work we are doing internationally in the region to try to facilitate the entry of medicines; our work with the Jordanian Government to make air drops, which include medical equipment; and our support for medical charities, some of which are based in Gaza. In every way, we are trying to alleviate the suffering to which she so eloquently referred.
Mohammad Yasin
Lab
Bedford
Question
As we approach the five-month mark of this horrific conflict, nearly 30,000 Palestinians have died and children in Gaza are dying of starvation. Diplomatic efforts must yield results before thousands more die—it will be tens of thousands if the Rafah offensive goes ahead. Does the Minister agree that time is of the essence and that, unless there is a ceasefire now, there will not be a deal to make?
Minister reply
The statement that the hon. Gentleman makes and the question he asks me underline the importance of the international community and Britain working with our allies to double and redouble efforts to ensure that we reach the situation that I have set out before the House on a number of occasions this afternoon.
Claire Hanna
SDLP
Belfast South and Mid Down
Question
Of course, an end to the threat of bombardment is the crucial step, but the humanitarian situation remains catastrophic. What specific assessment have UK officials made of the allegations against the UN Relief and Works Agency with a view to properly funding that organisation, whose infrastructure and capacity is crucial to meeting the basic everyday needs of hundreds of thousands of innocent men, women and children?
Minister reply
The hon. Lady underlines the centrality of UNRWA in Gaza. It has the necessary assets, which are essential for the delivery of aid and humanitarian relief. That is why we are urging the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services to produce an interim report looking into the collusion that allegedly took place. As soon as we have that report, along with the report from the former French Foreign Minister, we will be able to make the necessary dispositions not only about UNRWA but about how we get essential aid and support into Gaza.
Question
My right hon. Friend will be aware that the taking of hostages, and particularly civilian hostages, is considered an abomination. It is a war crime. Does he agree that one of the things that is driving the Israelis on is a desperate desire to get their people home and that anything that can be done diplomatically to try to make that happen—to get the hostages back—would really help the effort for peace?
Minister reply
My right hon. and learned Friend is absolutely right: the taking of hostages is an abomination. That is why we are doing everything we can to ensure that the hostages are released, including the two British hostages and others with a close connection with the United Kingdom. He will have seen the reports both from Paris and from Qatar over the weekend, which indicate that every sinew is being bent to try to get the hostages back.
Tim Farron
Lib Dem
Westmorland and Lonsdale
Question
As we seek to tackle the rise in the evil of racism of all kinds in our communities in response to the tragedy unfolding in Israel and Gaza, is it not vital that we distinguish between, on the one hand, the awfulness of the Netanyahu regime and their outrageous actions and, on the other hand, the decency of the Israeli people and the right of Israel to exist? Yesterday, my right hon. Friend the Member for Kingston and Surbiton (Ed Davey) met Yair Lapid, the leader of Yesh Atid, the liberal party of Israel. He is a former—and I hope future—Prime Minister of Israel who supports a two-state solution and desires peace. Are the Government keeping in close contact with Israeli opposition leaders who seek a peaceful resolution?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman will have seen that the Foreign Secretary has recently been in Israel, as have many other members of the Government, including the Attorney General. We have a close relationship with many people across the political spectrum in Israel. He will also be aware that Israel is a rumbustious democracy in a region where there are not many democracies, and there are divergences of view among senior people in Israel. That is reflected in what we hear from Israel today.
Question
Amnesty International UK is calling for the UK Government to suspend arms supplies to Israel due to serious violations amounting to crimes under international law, including the killing of 12,000 children. Will the Minister accept this moral case and revisit his policy?
Minister reply
The Minister asserts that these issues should be addressed through the independent and legally advised Arms Export Committee rather than at the whim of Ministers.
Christine Jardine
Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
Question
Will the Government do everything in their power to reflect the will of this place and pursue an end to the horror in Gaza and establish a two-state solution, given promising noises about a pause in hostilities?
Minister reply
The Minister assures that the Government are pursuing a humanitarian pause as part of the journey towards a sustainable ceasefire.
Zarah Sultana
Your Party
Coventry South
Question
What is the basis for suspending military assistance to Israel, and will the UK heed UN experts' call to suspend arms exports given the ICJ ruling?
Minister reply
The Minister has nothing further to add beyond what he has already stated regarding principles and practices on arms exports.
Question
Can self-defence justify attacks on civilians or disproportionate military action, given the rights of Israel under international law?
Minister reply
The Minister reiterates that Israel has a right to self-defence but must conduct it within international humanitarian law.
Rachel Hopkins
Lab
Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Question
Why does the Government not agree with an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, given reduced humanitarian aid entering Gaza due to lack of political will?
Minister reply
The Minister confirms that they are working towards a humanitarian pause upon which they can build and have been working closely with Jordan and other organisations for food and support.
Question
Does the UK's claim of having the toughest arms exports licence controls in the world make sense given the court ruling on Dutch arms sales to Israel?
Minister reply
The Minister disagrees with the analysis and asserts that they have a clear way of operating within their arms export regime.
Neil Coyle
Lab
Bermondsey and Old Southwark
Question
Which organisations are the Government working with to replace UNRWA efforts while it is unfunded, especially in light of hostages held by terrorists?
Minister reply
The Minister mentions that UNRWA is funded until next financial year and they work closely with organisations like UNICEF, WFP, and Egyptian Red Crescent.
Question
What assessment has the Government made of wider implications for rules-based international order in refusing to endorse ICJ interim ruling?
Minister reply
The Minister underscores Britain's commitment to supporting international humanitarian law and standing up for the international rules-based system.
Michael Shanks
Lab
Rutherglen
Question
How will the Government decide whether to re-fund UNRWA if its report has not been issued by next financial year, given ongoing famine in Gaza?
Minister reply
The Minister mentions hoping for interim reports and notes that UNRWA has sufficient funds until at least end of March due to actions by Norway and Guyana.
Question
Does the Minister agree with ICJ findings on plausible risk of genocide in Gaza, and what will his Government do about it?
Minister reply
The Minister finds the rhetoric accusing Israel of genocide highly offensive given historical context.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
Question
Given ICJ ruling, 3000 more Palestinians killed, aid prevention, and Rafah threat, what conversations have been had about suspending arms sales to Israel?
Minister reply
The Minister reiterates the importance of initiatives taken by Britain to secure a sustainable ceasefire through a pause.
Carol Monaghan
SNP
Glasgow North West
Question
We have heard many times about Israel’s right to defend itself. In fact, the Minister started his statement by reiterating Israel’s right to defend itself. On Sunday evening in Gaza City, the Israel Defence Forces fired on Palestinians who were waiting for food aid trucks to arrive. Ten were killed. Does the Minister believe that that was a legitimate act of self-defence?
Minister reply
Unlike the other forces involved in this dreadful conflict, Israeli soldiers and members of the IDF are taught, as part of their basic training, about international humanitarian law. As I mentioned, there are lawyers embedded in the military forces as they make decisions on actions. That is not something that we see in other forces in the region and non-state actors. Although all deaths are to be regretted, we underline that international humanitarian law is very clear that all parties must respect it. We are deeply concerned about the lack of humanitarian access, and we are deeply concerned about the protection of civilians. As I set out in my earlier remarks, we believe that last week’s Government amendment, which was not moved but was tabled, outlines a set of circumstances that everyone across the House should be able to support.
Shadow Comment
David Lammy
Shadow Comment
The Shadow Minister criticised the Foreign Secretary’s absence during scrutiny and highlighted continued civilian deaths, famine, disease, hostage situations, and regional escalation. He cited the International Court of Justice's orders for Israel to ensure humanitarian access but noted ongoing issues like suspended aid operations and expired visas for humanitarian workers. Lammy urged the Government to press Israel for immediate changes in these areas. He also asked about progress made on a truce deal involving hostages and expressed concern over potential military actions in Rafah. The Shadow Minister questioned whether calling for a pause was sufficient, advocating instead for an immediate ceasefire, hostage release, unimpeded aid flow into Gaza, recognition of the Palestinian state, and establishing a diplomatic process towards a two-state solution.
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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.