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Israel and Gaza
26 March 2024
Lead MP
Andrew Mitchell
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
DefenceForeign Affairs
Other Contributors: 51
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
With permission, Mr Speaker, I would like to make a statement on the Israel-Gaza crisis. The UK has been advocating for an immediate humanitarian pause and a sustainable ceasefire since the onset of the conflict. Yesterday's UN Security Council resolution 2728 reflects Britain’s position and sets out the urgent demand for unconditional release of hostages and scaling up aid delivery. This resolution calls for lifting all barriers impeding aid access, and we urge all parties to uphold international humanitarian law. The UK has facilitated aid through multiple channels, including land routes from Jordan and airdrops by the Royal Air Force with support from Jordan. While regretting that the resolution did not condemn Hamas's attacks on 7 October, the UK supports Israel’s right to self-defence and continues efforts for an immediate ceasefire leading to sustainable peace. The Government is focused on supporting a new Palestinian government under Prime Minister Mustafa and removing Hamas's capacity for attacks against Israel.
David Lammy
Lab
Tottenham
Question
The UN resolution is welcome but critical now to ensure its implementation. What steps are the Government taking to press Hamas and Israel for an immediate ceasefire? Also, regarding aid distribution, can you confirm if funding to UNRWA will resume?
Minister reply
The UK continues to work on securing a sustainable ceasefire through diplomatic channels and supporting aid delivery via multiple routes. Funding decisions for international organisations are ongoing but aim to ensure humanitarian needs are met.
David Lammy
Lab
Tottenham
Question
Regarding the tragic airstrike on a humanitarian compound, will you support an independent investigation to establish accountability and clarify the incident's cause?
Minister reply
We take such incidents seriously and are committed to ensuring transparency. We will support any necessary investigations to deliver accountability for attacks on humanitarian workers.
David Lammy
Lab
Tottenham
Question
Has the Foreign Secretary received legal advice indicating a clear risk that UK licensed items might be used in violation of international humanitarian law?
Minister reply
I cannot provide detailed information on confidential legal advice, but I can assure you we are committed to upholding our legal obligations regarding arms exports and ensuring compliance with international humanitarian law.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Stamford
Question
Updates on progress to get hostages home, who is enforcing the release of hostages, clarification on whether UN Security Council resolution 2728 is binding, and how we ensure its enactment.
Minister reply
We regret that the resolution has not condemned terrorist attacks by Hamas but all previously called-for items are now recorded. We will continue to do everything possible to implement the resolution.
Brendan O'Hara
SNP
Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
Question
Assurance on imposing sanctions including banning arms sales if Israel breaches the ceasefire, updates on discussions with partners for decisive international action should Israel ignore the resolution.
Minister reply
Welcomed the SNP's support for the Government’s position. The Government aims to bring people together and end violence as soon as possible.
Michael Ellis
Constitutional
New Forest East
Question
The terrorist attack of 7 October on Israel has provoked widespread antisemitism in this country and around the world. The latest manifestation was at Manchester airport when Border Force guards made it apparent that they do not want Israeli Jews to enter this country, berating two victims of the Nova music festival slaughter as potential threats to security. Can the deputy Foreign Secretary confirm that Jews and Israelis are still welcome to enter this country?
Minister reply
The Minister thanked Michael Ellis for his robust comments on an outrageous incident at Manchester airport which is now being personally investigated by the Home Secretary. The Minister condemned the actions of Border Force officers who detained innocent Israeli victims of the music festival slaughter, calling it shocking and disgraceful.
Sarah Champion
Lab
Rotherham
Question
Feeling uncomfortable about the UK’s abstention twice in the UN Security Council process regarding a ceasefire, Sarah Champion questioned the effectiveness of the current situation. She noted that there is no immediate ceasefire and asked if it was vital for the Cabinet Minister responsible for overseas aid to be available for scrutiny. She also raised concerns over media updates instead of parliamentary responses and the delay in responding to the Procedure Committee’s report.
Minister reply
Andrew Mitchell expressed respect for Sarah Champion's work but disagreed that she should feel uncomfortable, praising Britain's principled position as seen in resolution 2728. He informed her that the Government response to the Procedure Committee’s report is imminent and clarified his role in British aid and development policy.
Alec Shelbrooke
Con
Wetherby and Easingwold
Question
Shelbrooke argued that a ceasefire must be observed by both sides, highlighting Hamas’s refusal to lay down arms and threats against the existence of Israel. He questioned if Hamas dismantling their terrorist organisation was necessary for any ceasefire.
Minister reply
Andrew Mitchell acknowledged Shelbrooke's point and reiterated the Government’s balanced approach. He explained that Britain did not call for an immediate ceasefire before because it would be clear Hamas would reject it, as they had done previously.
Andy McDonald
Lab
Middlesbrough and Thornaby East
Question
McDonald inquired about legal advice on whether the UK is compliant with international humanitarian law concerning arms exports that could be used to commit offences in Gaza.
Minister reply
Andrew Mitchell reiterated the Government’s stance on arms export licensing and compliance with international humanitarian law, stating there was nothing further he would add at this time.
Question
Offord expressed concern that UN resolution 2728 may embolden Hamas to maintain their grip on Gaza without releasing hostages, undermining efforts to secure their release.
Minister reply
Andrew Mitchell pointed out that the UK's explanation of vote regarding the resolution noted regret at not condemning Hamas’ attacks and emphasised ongoing diplomatic efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the US.
Question
Elliott asked about the Government’s response to Israel shutting off north Gaza to UNRWA and when funding would be reinstated to alleviate starvation in Gaza.
Minister reply
Andrew Mitchell explained that Britain will look at interim reports from Catherine Colonna and UN reports before deciding on reinstating aid funding. He emphasised the importance of UNRWA’s logistical support for effective aid distribution.
Question
Villiers questioned how the Minister could say nothing has changed in policy terms when the UK voted for a resolution that does not condemn Hamas’ atrocity, making hostage release less likely.
Minister reply
Andrew Mitchell disagreed with Villiers and reiterated that the resolution demands unconditional release of hostages and condemns the terrorist attack.
Afzal Khan
Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Question
Khan condemned Israel for continuing to commit atrocities in Gaza, including besieging Al-Shifa Hospital, resulting in gun battles, beatings, deaths of patients, and execution-style killings.
Minister reply
Andrew Mitchell reiterated that Israel has the right of self-defence but must abide by international humanitarian law.
Question
Ellwood questioned if it was concerning that UK aid had to be airdropped into Gaza and suggested the new port being built off Gaza could operate as a permanent operation for inspections.
Minister reply
Andrew Mitchell acknowledged Ellwood's points, noting that truck delivery is the preferred method but also looking at other options including recent RAF airdrops of food.
Munira Wilson
Lib Dem
Twickenham
Question
Can I set the record straight for Conservative Members that we on the Liberal Democrat Benches have been calling for months for an immediate bilateral ceasefire, and that we welcome yesterday’s UN Security Council resolution? However, the reality is that northern Gaza is on the brink of famine, with children dying of malnutrition, and tens of thousands of children are being killed or maimed by Israeli forces’ bombardment. Does the Minister believe that Netanyahu’s Government are complying with the International Court of Justice’s provisional order, which states that Israel must ensure with immediate effect that its forces do not commit any of the acts prohibited by the genocide convention? If he does not think that the Israeli Government are complying with that order, what is he doing about it?
Minister reply
In respect of the second part of the hon. Lady’s question, let me make the Government’s position clear: we respect the role and independence of the ICJ, but we do not believe, and have never believed, that the case launched now will be helpful in bringing the two parties together. She will know that the court has called for the immediate release of the hostages and the need to get more aid into Gaza, and we strongly agree with that.
Question
May I press my right hon. Friend further on the answer he gave to the hon. Member for Sunderland Central (Julie Elliott)? The humanitarian situation in Gaza is, of course, dire. In northern Gaza, it is estimated that some 70% of the population are suffering the most appalling food shortages and are resorting to eating animal feed, bird seed and grass. Does the Minister not recognise that respected international partners such as Australia, Canada, Sweden and Denmark have now restored full funding to UNRWA, which is the most important and capable humanitarian organisation in Gaza? Does he not think that the United Kingdom should also do so as quickly as possible, and in what circumstances and under what conditions will that be done?
Minister reply
At the moment, Britain does not have a requirement to provide extra money, because we have fully funded UNRWA through our commitment to that organisation up until the next financial year, which effectively means the end of April. In an earlier response, I addressed the point that my right hon. Friend made so eloquently about the requirement for UNRWA assets to be used.
Question
Diolch yn fawr, Mr Speaker. In the past hour, news agencies have reported that the Israeli National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has told Israeli Army Radio that, “We must enter Rafah now”. Surely this announcement that a military assault will be undertaken on an area of 1.7 million displaced people is a breach of a binding UN Security Council resolution and of international law. The Minister must urgently set out what action he will consider to prevent the Israeli armed forces taking such action. More specifically, does the UK agree that should Israel proceed with this action and refuse to adhere to the demand for an immediate ceasefire, it will be in violation of a binding resolution and in breach of international law?
Minister reply
Given the position that the hon. Lady has just outlined, I am sure she will welcome yesterday’s resolution 2728 and the progress that it reflects. She has quoted a specific Israeli Minister, but she will know that there are many voices in Israel at this time.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Question
I have listened carefully to the answers that my right hon. Friend has given about the resolution passed, but it is my understanding that only a few weeks ago, the UK explained at the UN that it could not vote for a resolution that does not condemn the atrocities Hamas committed, and that simply calling for a ceasefire would not make one happen. It even said last month that such a resolution ‘could endanger the hostage negotiations’. As night follows day, the resolution was passed yesterday, and the Israelis have had to withdraw their negotiators due to what they have described as “delusional demands” from Hamas. Will my right hon. Friend accept that this resolution has made a material change for the worse, and that getting the hostages out has now actually been made less likely?
Minister reply
I do not agree with my hon. Friend. The British position has always been very clear: we want a pause that enables the hostages to come out and enables food and vital humanitarian supplies to come in.
Jess Phillips
Lab
Birmingham Yardley
Question
The deputy Foreign Secretary stated earlier that he will expect a full explanation from Israel of the incident that was highlighted by my right hon. Friend the Member for Tottenham (Mr Lammy). That incident happened on 18 January, and the hon. Member for Rutland and Melton (Alicia Kearns) and I raised it with the Minister around eight weeks ago. I have also been to the UN in the past few weeks and raised it with diplomats there. When can we expect an explanation of why British aid agencies have been bombed by Israel, potentially using weapons provided in part by us? Can the Minister tell me when that explanation will come?
Minister reply
I am extremely grateful to the hon. Lady for supporting the position that the British Government and I have set out—that we require an explanation from the Israeli Government of the actions that took place.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Question
The immediate impact of this resolution appears to be that Hamas have hardened their stance on the release of hostages, and the Israelis have said that they will not move until hostages are released. Apparently, the negotiations in Qatar were limited to being about only 40 of the hostages, namely the most weak and vulnerable. What is left out of the resolution is the requirement for immediate access to those hostages for the International Committee of the Red Cross, so that it can assess their condition and, indeed, whether they can travel at all. Will my right hon. Friend take action to demand immediate access to those hostages for the Red Cross, so that that assessment can take place?
Minister reply
Yes. We have been absolutely clear that the hostages must be released as swiftly as possible.
Battersea
Question
We can all see the devastation in Gaza, where more than 30,000 people have been killed. Two thirds of those people are women and children, and aid is still not getting in. While that is taking place, the situation on the west bank is, equally, worsening, so will the Minister condemn the recent announcement that 800 hectares of the west bank have been designated as Israeli state land?
Minister reply
On the hon. Member’s last point, she will know what we have consistently said about the illegality of these annexations, and I repeat that today.
Question
I welcome the immediate humanitarian pause in UNSC resolution 2728, and I congratulate our diplomats on their role in this resolution. As the deputy Foreign Secretary has said, the key to delivering enough aid to prevent famine is the use of Israel’s land corridors, so could my right hon. Friend confirm whether Israel will provide enough access to prevent a potential famine, and whether both Israel and Hamas are committed to continuing talks during the remaining 15 days of Ramadan, with the aim of moving towards a sustained ceasefire afterwards?
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend for what he said about the unstinting work of British diplomats.
Imran Hussain
Lab
Bradford East
Question
After six months of bloodshed, starvation and the deliberate blocking of essential aid to Gaza, the UN Security Council has demanded an immediate ceasefire for the rest of Ramadan. However, 15 days is not long enough to deal with the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. Will the Minister heed the calls of this House and demand a permanent, lasting ceasefire? Can he explain how the ceasefire can be enforced if the UK Government are selling arms to the Israeli military?
Minister reply
I addressed the issue of supplying arms earlier. The resolution is important as it implements key points Britain has been advocating for and represents unity in addressing these issues.
Chris Law
SNP
Dundee Central
Question
If there is even a chance that Israel is breaking international law by potentially committing war crimes and genocide, why will the UK Government not take all precautions to adhere to their obligations as a party to the genocide convention and arms trade treaty, and immediately cease arms exports to Israel?
Minister reply
There is something uniquely repulsive about accusing Israel of genocide given recent events where more Jewish people perished than at any time since the Holocaust.
Apsana Begum
Lab
Poplar and Limehouse
Question
Can the Minister outline what conversations he and the Foreign Secretary are having with their counterparts in the United States to ensure that the UN resolution is implemented, and will the UK Government cease arming Israel?
Minister reply
I welcome her support for resolution 2728. Our work continues with vigour around the world.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Question
Can the Minister explain how such a resolution, which gives hope to the terrorists, will ever lead to the release of hostages and prevent future atrocities?
Minister reply
It is Hamas who are using Palestinian people as human shields in Rafah.
Kim Johnson
Lab
Liverpool Riverside
Question
What enforcement measures will be implemented by the Government to escalate pressure to stop Israel’s military assault, uphold the ceasefire and ensure emergency assistance?
Minister reply
I thank her for supporting resolution 2728. It reflects international support and our efforts to secure a consensus.
Tan Dhesi
Lab
Slough
Question
Will the Minister condemn from the Dispatch Box the recent announcement of 800 hectares of the west bank as Israeli state land? Surely this colonial-era land grab must be condemned and halted.
Minister reply
The position on illegal settlements has always been clear.
Stephen Timms
Lab
East Ham
Question
What are the implications for future UK arms sales to Israel given that both sides are in conflict, breaching a UN Security Council resolution supported by the UK?
Minister reply
There has been no change in position. The resolution calls for an immediate humanitarian pause leading to a sustainable ceasefire.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
Question
If Israel continues to ignore the ruling of the UN’s highest body, should further sanctions be imposed until Israel respects the ceasefire and international law?
Minister reply
The right approach is to ensure a pause allowing aid in and hostages out for a sustainable ceasefire.
Richard Foord
Lib Dem
Honiton and Sidmouth
Question
Will the Minister consider stopping arms trade with Israel given Dutch court rulings, and that at least this House needs a standing committee to examine arms exports?
Minister reply
Britain has the strongest regulatory regime. We publish comprehensive official statistics every quarter.
Stella Creasy
Lab Co-op
Walthamstow
Question
Given evidence of UK-made arms being used in Gaza, and man-made famine violating human rights obligations, why have the Government not suspended arms sales to Israel? When will we see a report on this matter?
Minister reply
We publish comprehensive official statistics every quarter. We are concerned about getting more food into Gaza and have been pursuing maritime routes, deploying RAF and field hospitals.
Question
Will the UK ensure there is no complicity with Israel's war machine in using UK air bases by F-35s or other military co-operation? Will funding to UNRWA be lifted, given Israeli allegations have largely been refuted?
Minister reply
We fully funded UNRWA according to commitments. We hope the position will be clarified by reports awaited.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Question
The MP questions the Minister on arms export licensing to Israel, especially in light of videos showing Israeli soldiers' actions. She asks if the Minister has seen these videos and whether he condemns them, and whether there is confidence that no British exports are used in criminal acts by IDF.
Minister reply
The Minister states he has not seen such videos but would condemn them if genuine. He does not provide additional comments on arms export licensing.
Question
The MP argues that only an immediate permanent ceasefire can offer a political horizon to Palestinians and expresses doubt about the statement's vision.
Minister reply
The Minister asserts that progress in peace talks could occur after conflicts, citing historical precedents. He emphasises the need for a humanitarian pause and condemns Hamas' actions.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Question
The MP raises concerns about arms manufacturing and exports to Israel amid conflict, mentions meeting with Palestinians who have lost relatives, and asks for reassurance on the implementation of resolution 2728 by all parties.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges the suffering caused by conflict and reiterates support for UN resolution 2728. He promises continued British efforts to advance peace.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham
Question
The MP questions whether Israel's control of Gaza borders justifies reviewing arms sales, given the restrictions on aid flow.
Minister reply
The Minister explains efforts to mitigate border restrictions and emphasises Britain’s role in advocating for more aid through diplomatic channels.
Florence Eshalomi
Lab Co-op
Vauxhall
Question
The MP references previous statements about aid organisations' briefings, highlighting the scale of suffering and man-made famine in Gaza. She asks about restoring UNRWA funding.
Minister reply
The Minister confirms that British funding to UNRWA continues until April but will reassess future commitments based on reports.
Question
The MP questions Israel's compliance with international law and asks about further actions the Government can take.
Minister reply
The Minister states that Britain assesses Israel’s commitment to international humanitarian law but will inform the House of any changes in position.
Andrew Slaughter
Lab
Hammersmith
Question
The MP asks if the Government will publish legal advice on breaches of international law by parties involved in the conflict, similar to past statements.
Minister reply
The Minister declines to release internal legal advice, citing precedent from previous governments.
Emma Hardy
Lab
Kingston upon Hull West
Question
The MP questions the effectiveness of words without action regarding adherence to international law and asks about consequences for war crimes.
Minister reply
The Minister declines to add qualifiers or consequences beyond previous statements.
Rupa Huq
Lab
Ealing Central
Question
The MP questions the Government's position on ceasefire calls, welcoming a change but seeking clarity on implementation and consequences.
Minister reply
The Minister maintains that the UK has long called for an immediate humanitarian pause leading to sustainable ceasefire as per resolution 2728.
Toby Perkins
Lab
Chesterfield
Question
The MP argues that Palestinians in Gaza lack power to influence their fate and asks about the Government's response if Israel ignores UN resolutions.
Minister reply
The Minister asserts that resolution implementation rests with Hamas and Qatar negotiators.
Justin Madders
Lab
Ellesmere Port
Question
The MP questions the release of legal advice on breaches of international law, citing precedents where such advice was released.
Minister reply
The Minister reiterates that releasing internal legal advice is consistent with precedent and does not change this stance.
Question
The appalling deaths of children in Gaza have brought condemnation from around the world and immense psychological trauma to their families and friends. The figure has risen with the deaths of a further 1,000 children, so will he now answer my question and recognise that the killing of 13,000 children shows clear evidence of collective punishment?
Minister reply
No, I will not do that, but I hope that the hon. Lady will join me in calling for Hamas to release all the hostages they are holding as swiftly as possible.
Ben Lake
PC
Ceredigion Preseli
Question
Does he anticipate that future air drops will increase in frequency until such time as the barriers to the delivery of aid via land are lifted?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman is right to identify the delivery of aid from the air, for numerous reasons that hon. Members will understand, as suboptimal. The key way of getting urgently needed aid into Gaza is by truck and by road.
Hayes and Harlington
Question
Does he not appreciate what Members are saying to him about the rule of law and the importance of the House abiding by the rule of law?
Minister reply
The Government are second to none in seeking to uphold the rule of law, and that point has been consistently reiterated from this Dispatch Box.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
Question
We want to know what purpose those military personnel had, whether they have impeded the delivery of aid or perpetrated suffering against the people of Gaza, and how that complies with international humanitarian law?
Minister reply
The hon. Lady will not be surprised to hear me say that the British military forces always comply with international humanitarian law.
James Murray
Lab Co-op
Ealing North
Question
Will he put pressure on the Israeli Government to publish an official list and one that includes all the nutritional and medical aid that is needed?
Minister reply
The British Government and the department within the Foreign Office look all the time at all those matters. As I mentioned earlier, Britain deployed a field hospital funded by UK aid under UK-Med.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
Will he confirm what discussions have taken place and what actions have been agreed to ascertain whether there is any assistance we can provide to ensure that Israel is in a position to safely end the conflict, having achieved security for their nation and their people?
Minister reply
It is a central aim of Government policy to ensure that both Israel and Palestine can live safely and securely side by side behind secure borders—the implementation of the two-state solution.
Shadow Comment
David Lammy
Shadow Comment
I thank the minister for his statement and echo support for an immediate ceasefire, hostage release, and full humanitarian access in Gaza. Labour welcomes the resolution but calls for more pressure on Hamas and Israel to agree to a ceasefire immediately. The terrible human cost of the war demands scaled aid distribution by UNRWA, which should receive resumed funding from the UK. Regarding international law compliance, I raise an incident where Israeli forces struck a compound housing humanitarian workers despite known coordinates, demanding a full independent investigation. Furthermore, I ask whether the Foreign Secretary received legal advice indicating clear risk that UK licensed items might be used to commit or facilitate war crimes.
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