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Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
29 January 2024
Lead MP
Andrew Mitchell
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
EmploymentForeign Affairs
Other Contributors: 49
At a Glance
Andrew Mitchell raised concerns about israel and the occupied palestinian territories 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 updated the House on the ongoing situation in Israel and Gaza, focusing on the need for a ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and addressing allegations against UNRWA. He reported that the British Government is working towards five critical steps: establishing a political horizon, forming a new Palestinian government with an international support package, removing Hamas's capacity to launch attacks, releasing hostages, and having key Hamas leaders leave Gaza. The Minister announced increased UK aid to the region, committing £60 million for this financial year. He also highlighted work with Qatar on aid deliveries and cooperation with UN agencies to deliver humanitarian assistance. Additionally, the Minister discussed the International Court of Justice's interim ruling and called for its orders to be implemented fully.
David Lammy
Lab
Tottenham
Question
Lammy questioned whether the Government accepts the ICJ’s authority and supports full implementation of its orders, urging clarity on their stance. He also inquired about progress in securing a truce that would protect civilians and release hostages.
Minister reply
The Minister responded by reiterating Britain's respect for the role and independence of the ICJ while noting previous concerns over the case but affirming support for its orders, including immediate hostage releases. He also confirmed ongoing UK aid to Gaza despite allegations against UNRWA.
David Lammy
Lab
Tottenham
Question
Lammy asked about continued protection for British troops stationed across the Middle East and queried why the Foreign Secretary had not yet addressed the House regarding the situation.
Minister reply
The Minister did not directly address questions on troop protection or the absence of the Foreign Secretary but emphasised ongoing Government efforts towards a permanent peace.
David Lammy
Lab
Tottenham
Question
I thank the Minister for advance sight of his statement. Last week, the International Court of Justice made an interim ruling under the genocide convention on the situation in Gaza... [full question]
Minister reply
I thank the shadow Foreign Secretary for his comments and address them all. The right hon. Gentleman’s points are noted, but I cannot comment further on IRGC on the Floor of the House. On aid to Gaza: all our efforts focus on getting it back in; we understand UNRWA assets are essential but need pause due to serious nature of allegations against staff. We welcome ICJ’s call for immediate release of hostages and more aid into Gaza, urging an immediate pause to get aid in and hostages out.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Stamford
Question
I welcome the update from the deputy Foreign Secretary about the Contact Group and progress being made. However, I am concerned that on 18 January in Al-Mawasi, a supposed safe zone in Gaza... [full question]
Minister reply
The bombing of the compound is an extremely serious matter which was raised at high levels by the Foreign Secretary last week and our ambassador immediately after details got out. The UN Office of Internal Oversight Services will conduct an immediate inquiry into the targeting permissions for that airstrike.
Brendan O'Hara
SNP
Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
Question
I thank the Minister for prior sight of his statement. On Friday, despite concerted efforts to dismiss, ridicule and undermine South Africa’s case... [full question]
Minister reply
We are not cutting funding to UNRWA; we are pausing any future funding based on the result of inquiries now in process. We respect the role of ICJ and agree with its points about aid, hostages, and adherence to international humanitarian law.
Michael Ellis
Con
Question
The ICJ has dismissed South Africa's demand for Israel to stop defending itself and instructed Israel not to cease operations but only prevent genocide, which it is already doing. Hamas have been ordered to release hostages without success. Does the Minister believe that Jews in South Africa are safe given the country’s high crime rate and Jewish discrimination?
Minister reply
The charge against Israel of genocide is hideous and the Minister agrees with this view. Regarding hostage release, it's unclear if progress has been made but there is hope for a positive outcome.
Khalid Mahmood
Lab
Question
The right hon. Gentleman mentioned interim measures by the ICJ but refused to answer my question on Israel's legal obligation to comply with the Court’s rulings.
Minister reply
Israel plans to act in accordance with international humanitarian law as requested and has the ability to do so.
Chris Grayling
Con
Question
While everyone supports Israel's right to defend itself, can my hon. Friend be confident that a two-state solution will materialise? If not, what further actions should we take?
Minister reply
The Government and the House agree on the necessity of a two-state solution for lasting peace.
Andrew Slaughter
Lab
Hammersmith and Chiswick
Question
With mixed messages from the Government, what assurance can be given that they are communicating to Israeli counterparts about compliance with ICJ's legally binding orders?
Minister reply
The points were raised by the Foreign Secretary during his trip to the region last week.
Vicky Ford
Con
Question
A pause in fighting, humanitarian aid and a long-lasting peace are necessary. Does my right hon. Friend agree that everyone should work towards achieving these goals?
Minister reply
The Government’s approach is to focus on the two-state solution as the path forward.
Joanna Cherry
SNP
Question
Does the Minister agree with previous statements encouraging Myanmar to comply with provisional measures and will he similarly encourage Israel?
Minister reply
The Government always emphasise the importance of abiding by international humanitarian law.
Andrew Percy
Con
Brigg and Goole
Question
Can we use taxpayers' money to fund UNRWA, given intelligence suggesting 1,200 staff are Hamas operatives and other family members involved in terror groups?
Minister reply
The Government have paused future payments but welcome the independent review commissioned by Philippe Lazzarini.
Rushanara Ali
Lab
Bethnal Green and Stepney
Question
What impact will the UNRWA review have on aid provision? How can the UK Government ensure that Israel complies with prevention orders set by the ICJ?
Minister reply
While suspending future funding, we remain committed to ensuring humanitarian aid reaches those in Gaza.
Tobias Ellwood
Con
Question
Given UNRWA's critical role in Gaza, does the Minister agree that withholding funds could exacerbate the humanitarian situation?
Minister reply
While investigating reports, we recognise that UNRWA assets are essential for delivering aid.
Liam Byrne
Lab
Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North
Question
Is it HM Government’s analysis that Israel is operating within the ICJ's measures? What consequences will there be if these aren’t observed?
Minister reply
Israel plans to act in accordance with international humanitarian law as requested.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Question
Israel is much more than Prime Minister Netanyahu. What more are we in the US and the UK doing to encourage the moderate voices in Israel who argue for a definite democratic future for Gaza and the west bank? Above all, is there any more progress we can make to convince the Israeli Government that it is not in their interests to have any more settlements or expansions of existing settlements?
Minister reply
My right hon. Friend accurately says that there is a plurality of opinion in Israel. We strongly support, and say within Israel, what we think is the right way forward, which above all is a two-state solution.
Jeremy Corbyn
Ind
Islington North
Question
The ICJ ruling is highly significant all around the world... Will the Minister also tell us that, in light of the ICJ ruling, all British military aid to Israel has been suspended until such time as they abide by the ruling?
Minister reply
The right hon. Gentleman will have seen the reports of the Foreign Secretary’s meetings, including with Prime Minister Netanyahu, during his series of regional visits last week.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Question
What circumstances would change the Government’s policy towards Israel, which is currently determined to oppose a two-state solution?
Minister reply
My right hon. Friend reflects one strand of opinion in Israel, but he does not reflect the fact that there are many others.
Imran Hussain
Lab
Bradford East
Question
Let the House be in no doubt that article 1 of the genocide convention makes it absolutely clear that the UK has a legal obligation, not just a moral duty, to act to prevent genocide... Will the Government immediately suspend the sale of arms to the Israeli military?
Minister reply
I make it clear to the hon. Gentleman that his interpretation of what the ICJ is saying is not the Government’s interpretation, or indeed the interpretation of many Members of the House.
Question
The Foreign Secretary... In the light of the recent decision to freeze funding to UNRWA, how will this aid be delivered? Following the review, what action is the UK expecting UNRWA to take to see the funding resumed?
Minister reply
The action that UNRWA needs to take is pretty clear: it needs to make sure that nothing like this can ever happen again.
Seema Malhotra
Lab Co-op
Feltham and Heston
Question
I echo and support the words of my right hon. Friend the Member for Tottenham (Mr Lammy). International law must be upheld... Will the Minister clarify the assurance that UNRWA operations will continue while investigations take place, and that ordinary Gazans will still be able to access that vital aid?
Minister reply
On the hon. Lady’s final point, UNRWA humanitarian operations, getting aid to people who need it, will not be fettered in any way by the British decision.
Question
The Minister is right to reference the desperate plight of civilians in Gaza... Will the Government consider a scheme for non-citizens, such as the Ukraine scheme, to help with this desperate situation—this plight for citizens in Gaza?
Minister reply
We have been working with partners to secure passage for all those who wish to leave, including British nationals and their families. We have helped to facilitate over 300 British nationals leaving Gaza.
Question
In November, a report by the Institute for Monitoring Peace and Cultural Tolerance in School Education found that half of Gaza’s 500,000 school pupils attended UNRWA-operated education institutions... The Minister says that he is going to suspend future payments, but the damage has already been done by decades of UK funding.
Minister reply
I can tell my hon. Friend that, when I was previously in government, I heard these allegations back in 2010, 2011, 2012.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Question
Many of us have had concerns about the activities of UNRWA and the people who work for it... If all these people from UNRWA are actually involved with the terrorist organisations, perhaps they could actually do something about assisting with getting the hostages out of captivity.
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is right to make it clear that getting the hostages out is absolutely essential.
Jess Phillips
Lab
Birmingham Yardley
Question
In his answer to the hon. Member for Rutland and Melton, and in a number of other answers he has given, the Minister has said, “We have raised this with Israel”, as if that were enough. What does Israel say in response to the question raised by the hon. Member for Rutland and Melton about a known humanitarian base being bombed? What will the Government do to insist that Israel abides by the ICJ’s ruling that it must investigate and punish the direct and public incitement to genocide?
Minister reply
Because Britain is a close ally and friend of many in the region and of Israel in particular, we are able to have difficult conversations. It is perfectly clear that both the Foreign Secretary and the Prime Minister have done so with the President and Prime Minister of Israel, and with a large number of members of their Cabinet. Those discussions have sought to persuade them to accept the need for a vast increase in the humanitarian support getting into Gaza, and to move forward towards the political track.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Question
I welcome the move to pause UNRWA funding, but the scale of the problem is much more significant than if it had involved only a handful of people, given the reports that 10% of UNRWA’s 12,000 workers in Gaza are somehow linked to Hamas and other terror groups. A few weeks ago, it was revealed that a Telegram group used by 3,000 UNRWA teachers celebrated the 7 October massacre. Given those appalling earlier revelations, why did the Government not rethink our relationship with UNRWA before?
Minister reply
As my hon. Friend makes clear, those allegations are abhorrent. We have always been aware that there are dangers in operating in the environment of Gaza. That is why this is one of the most inspected and scrubbed development and aid programmes that Britain has anywhere in the world.
Hayes and Harlington
Question
Has the Minister seen the reaction to the ICJ judgment in Israel? There were reports at the weekend of a number of rallies at which Netanyahu Cabinet members said, “The ICJ makes judgments, but we make settlements.” There is now a call for settlements in Gaza, both in Khan Yunis and in Rafah. At the same time, Netanyahu is attacking the Qataris, even though they have been playing a significant role in securing the release of hostages. He has also been refusing to engage in a discussion about the Egyptian peace programme. In reality, the UK Government have virtually no influence over Netanyahu; we should admit that. He will listen only to the Americans, so what discussions are we having with the Biden Administration to ensure that they maximise the pressure to bring about a ceasefire discussion and the release of the hostages and prisoners?
Minister reply
The right hon. Gentleman will know that the Government condemn the building of such settlements. He will have heard what I and others have said about the complete condemnation of settler violence, and the demand that the Israeli Government hold to account those responsible for it, put them before the courts and punish them.
Question
Reports of UNRWA staff potentially being involved in the 7 October massacre—one of the worst pogroms against Jewish people since the holocaust—bring horror to many people, especially now that we are learning that up to 10% of UNRWA employees have some links with Hamas. I know that the Minister has said that there will be an independent review of UNRWA. Can he assure me that it will be independent, and that the UK Government will have input into it to make sure that the UN is not marking its own homework? If these allegations are true, what will we do about UNRWA?
Minister reply
The review will not be a case of UNRWA marking its own homework. It has specifically accepted that it must be a different part of the United Nations, far away from UNRWA, that makes these judgments.
Question
As others have said, the ICJ’s interim ruling could not be more serious, and it sets out urgent provisional measures that must be taken. I am sorry, but the Minister has not yet been clear on this point, so I will ask him again: do the Government agree that Israel has a legal obligation to comply with those measures? What role will the Government play in ensuring that within one month of the ruling, Israel submits a report to the Court on the steps that it has taken to comply with the orders, as it is required to?
Minister reply
I think I have answered the point that the hon. Lady makes about the ICJ. Let me reiterate once again that we regularly call on Israel to uphold its obligations under international humanitarian law, and we will continue to do so in all circumstances.
Richard Fuller
Con
North Bedfordshire
Question
The allegations against employees of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency were appalling, but UNRWA remains a vital source of food and support for the Palestinian people. I can already hear voices from the Conservative Back Benches that seem to be calling for us to throttle funding for UNRWA for the long term. Can my right hon. Friend advise us on what will happen between now and April, as regards his representations to the Chancellor on the Budget and contingency funding for this organisation after April?
Minister reply
We will make our plans for funding known to the House in the usual way, but we cannot do so until we have seen the report and are clear that what has been revealed cannot happen again.
Apsana Begum
Lab
Poplar and Limehouse
Question
What steps are the Government taking, in line with their obligations under international law, to ensure the full and immediate implementation of provisional measures ordered by the ICJ regarding the protection of Palestinians from genocide, and the immediate provision of humanitarian aid and other vital services? Can the Minister confirm whether the UK will now end arms sales to Israel, due to the risk that they could be used unlawfully to kill women and children?
Minister reply
We keep all arms exports under review. The hon. Lady will know that we have one of the tightest regimes in the world.
Question
I thank my right hon. Friend for updating the House, following a number of very significant and concerning developments in recent days. We should not forget that, in the midst of all this, dozens and dozens of families continue to live every day with the anguish of knowing that one of their loved ones is being held hostage in unknown conditions. Should not the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas be the one thing that every Member of this House calls for, following the ICJ report?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is absolutely correct. He sets out the Government’s position on the release of hostages.
Grahame Morris
Lab
Easington
Question
The hon. Member for Rutland and Melton raised the dreadful, appalling issue of the targeted Israeli airstrike on the MAP compound—the compound of a British charity—in Gaza. On behalf of the National Union of Journalists and the International Federation of Journalists, I would like to raise with the deputy Foreign Secretary the fact that almost 100 journalists have been killed in Gaza since 7 October. Their bravery has kept the world informed and exposed some of the appalling atrocities that we see daily. What does he plan to do to stop the deliberate targeting of journalists?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman will know that the Government, in particular through the work of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, have done their best to stand up for journalistic integrity, and the right of journalists to report on such circumstances.
Stella Creasy
Lab Co-op
Walthamstow
Question
Asked the Minister to confirm that the UK will condemn far-right Israeli Ministers who attended a conference on resettling Palestinians and to support the release of Hamas hostages.
Minister reply
Confirmed engagement with Qatar and US for hostage release, stated British diplomatic service's reach in region, noted policies mentioned are not those of the British Government.
Chris Law
SNP
Dundee Central
Question
Asked if UK will cease arms sales to Israel given reports of war crimes and potential genocide.
Minister reply
Stated Britain has a tough arms sale regulation authority, provisions do not change for any country.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
Question
Asked if the UK will uphold ICJ ruling and suspend arms sales.
Minister reply
Reiterated position on arms sales and the Government's commitment to the ICJ, but provided no further details.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Question
Asked how UK will ensure humanitarian relief in Gaza without UNRWA support.
Minister reply
Noted ongoing discussions to expand aid into Gaza, assured that current funding is having an effect.
Mohammad Yasin
Lab
Bedford
Question
Asked if UK will suspend arms sales due to the risk of genocide in Gaza.
Minister reply
Reiterated position on arms sales, stated no change to previous answer despite repeated questioning.
Question
Asked about providing specialist treatment for wounded children from Gaza in UK hospitals.
Minister reply
Considered deploying emergency medical teams and field hospitals if appropriate and practical.
Andrew Gwynne
Ind
Gorton and Denton
Question
Pressed Minister on Foreign Secretary's discussion with Prime Minister Netanyahu regarding Palestinian state.
Minister reply
Referred to difficulties facing Gaza, noted need for ceasefire and progress towards political resolution.
Question
Asked about steps UK is taking to ensure compliance with ICJ ruling and prevent further killings in Gaza.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the difficulties facing Gaza, stated commitment to humanitarian aid and political progress.
Helen Hayes
Lab
Dulwich and West Norwood
Question
Pressed Minister on steps UK is taking to ensure compliance with ICJ ruling.
Minister reply
Called for immediate humanitarian pause, hostage release, end of Hamas control over Gaza, and return of Palestinian authorities.
Jeff Smith
Lab
Manchester Withington
Question
Asked the Minister if Philippe Lazzarini indicated a specific timeline for his inquiry and when the pause in funding will start to impact on UNRWA’s humanitarian aid work.
Minister reply
Philippe Lazzarini did not indicate a specific timeline, but it is essential that the inquiry is completed within the next two months so that plans can be made regarding humanitarian relief.
Sarah Olney
Lib Dem
Richmond Park
Question
Asked if the UK was involved in negotiating a hostage deal framework and whether the Government are using their diplomatic position to press for the release of all hostages as soon as possible.
Minister reply
The British Government strongly support the process that took place in France over the weekend, but at this point, I am not in a position to update the House authoritatively on its results.
Tan Dhesi
Lab
Slough
Question
Asked if the Minister thinks an innocent Palestinian civilian shot dead by Israeli army constitutes a war crime and what representations have been made to the Israeli Government about it.
Minister reply
The videos of such incidents are harrowing, but Britain's focus is on helping bring the situation in Gaza to a conclusion as rapidly as possible and ensuring aid gets into Gaza.
Zarah Sultana
Your Party
Coventry South
Question
Asked about legal advice regarding continuing arms sales to Israel while stopping funding for UNRWA.
Minister reply
Britain is not stopping funding UNRWA, but rather committing no future funds until inquiries are completed. The British Government do not interpret the ICJ ruling as a basis to cease arms sales.
Question
Asked about assessments and representations regarding increased settler violence in the West Bank.
Minister reply
The British Government have condemned settler violence, illegal acts on the west bank, and are working towards a political track with Palestinian reforms.
Question
Asked if we will take serious options to separate ourselves from risk of complicity by demanding an immediate ceasefire, banning all arms sales to Israel, and ensuring sufficient funding for humanitarian aid.
Minister reply
The focus is on getting aid into Gaza rather than providing it; the British Government want a humanitarian pause, hostages freed, aid in Gaza, and then a sustainable ceasefire.
Shadow Comment
David Lammy
Shadow Comment
The Shadow Secretary emphasised Labour's commitment to upholding international law and respecting the independence of the ICJ. He questioned whether the Government accepts the Court’s authority and supports full implementation of its orders. The Shadow Secretary called for an immediate humanitarian truce, a sustainable ceasefire, and the release of hostages. He also pressed for increased aid flows into Gaza despite allegations against UNRWA staff, urging for existing UK aid to continue until investigations are concluded. Lammy further criticised Iran’s attacks on US soldiers, expressing support for sanctions against Iran and advocating for the proscription of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
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