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Shireen Abu Aqla
16 May 2022
Lead MP
Vicky Ford
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Foreign Affairs
Other Contributors: 38
At a Glance
Vicky Ford raised concerns about shireen abu aqla 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 UK Government expressed shock and concern over the death of journalist Shireen Abu Aqla, calling for a thorough investigation by the UN Security Council. The work of journalists globally is vital; thus, they must be protected to carry out their role in reporting conflicts and upholding media freedom. The Minister condemned violence at the funeral and urged for accountability and an end to cycles of violence.
Southgate and Wood Green
Question
Has the Minister made representations to Israeli counterparts on Shireen Abu Aqla's killing? Will she condemn funeral violence?
Minister reply
The UK has called for an immediate, thorough and impartial investigation into her death. We have condemned the disturbing scenes at her funeral.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Question
Does my hon. Friend agree that Israel and Palestinian Authority need to cooperate on a full investigation?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is right; swift and thorough impartial investigation is crucial.
Brendan O'Hara
SNP
Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
Question
Should the International Criminal Court carry out the investigation into Shireen Abu Aqla's death?
Minister reply
We call for an immediate, thorough, transparent, fair and impartial investigation. We are deeply concerned about the rise in violent attacks in the area.
Question
Have the Government made representations to Israeli authorities over funeral violence?
Minister reply
Yes, we have expressed deep concern about the scenes at her funeral and continue to call for measures to reduce tensions.
Naseem Shah
Lab
Bradford West
Question
What representations are being made to ensure justice for Shireen Abu Aqla and other Palestinians?
Minister reply
We urge for thorough investigations into the deaths of Palestinian civilians and call for restraint in the use of force.
Robert Halfon
Con
Southend West
Question
Is my hon. Friend aware that 19 Israelis have also been killed by terrorism since 21 March, and that Jewish lives matter as much as the life of the journalist who tragically lost her life? What is she doing to help the Israelis combat terrorism?
Minister reply
This is an important point. Israel does have a legitimate right to self-defence but it must ensure all actions are proportionate and in line with international humanitarian law.
Kim Johnson
Lab
Liverpool Riverside
Question
Does the Minister agree that an international criminal court should undertake a full independent investigation into Shireen Abu Aqla's killing and bring those responsible to justice?
Minister reply
I thank the hon. Member for reminding us of the importance of family involvement and add my condolences. We have called for an immediate, fair and impartial investigation that needs to happen soon.
Crispin Blunt
Con
Reigate
Question
How long must we wait for UK action to enforce accountability on Israel for its breaches of the fourth Geneva convention?
Minister reply
The UK Government is concerned about the security situation in Jerusalem, calling on all parties to de-escalate tensions and engage in dialogue towards peace.
Steve McCabe
Lab
Birmingham Selly Oak
Question
Will the Minister ensure an independent investigation into Shireen Abu Aqla's killing is established using British resources and assistance?
Minister reply
We are calling for a joint statement from countries around the world condemning the incident, working with UN Security Council members on this.
Flick Drummond
Con
Stroud
Question
Can my hon. Friend assure that securing peace in the region is a Government priority following Shireen Abu Aqla's killing?
Minister reply
Our priority is always to work towards peace, which is why we urge all parties to de-escalate tensions and engage in dialogue.
Julie Elliott
Lab
Sunderland Central
Question
How exactly will the Government support an impartial investigation into Shireen Abu Aqla's killing, given previous poor track records?
Minister reply
Immediate actions include condemning the situation and working with the UN Security Council for a joint statement of condemnation calling for investigation.
Andrew Percy
Con
Brigg and Goole
Question
Will my hon. Friend ensure UK Government’s position continues to support an independent inquiry, requiring buy-in from both Israeli Government and Palestinian Authority?
Minister reply
The UN Security Council has described the need for an immediate, thorough, transparent and fair investigation.
Layla Moran
Lib Dem
Oxford West and Abingdon
Question
Has the Minister summoned the Israeli ambassador to make it clear how unhelpful the Israeli police actions are to the peace process?
Minister reply
We have made very clear the need to restore calm, condemning this action and will always look at further steps.
Alun Cairns
Con
Vale of Glamorgan
Question
Does the Minister share concerns about long-term relationships between Palestinian and Israeli communities following Shireen Abu Aqla's death, agreeing that an open investigation is key?
Minister reply
My right hon. Friend is correct; both those who mourn her and she herself should be treated with respect and dignity, requiring a thorough, fair and impartial investigation.
Imran Hussain
Lab
Bradford East
Question
What are the Government waiting for to recognise the state of Palestine, given that Palestinians face persecution and humiliation?
Minister reply
We will recognise a Palestinian state when it best serves peace objectives, as achieving peace is our primary goal.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Question
Does my hon. Friend agree that those jumping to blame Israel for Shireen Abu Aqla’s death will deepen division and make peace harder?
Minister reply
A proper investigation is important, but we are concerned by recent Palestinian deaths by Israeli security forces urging thorough and transparent investigations.
Joanna Cherry
SNP
Edinburgh South
Question
A constituent of mine who went to school with Shireen Abu Aqla has been in touch to share her sense of helplessness at what seems to be yet another state-sanctioned killing in the occupied territories. She said it is always incumbent on the Palestinians to prove their innocence and fight for basic human sympathy for events that befall them. I fully accept that the killing must be independently investigated, but can the Minister summon the Israeli ambassador to communicate her outrage?
Minister reply
We have condemned this killing, called for a thorough investigation, stressed the need for fairness, impartiality, and promptness in the inquiry, and urged all parties to reduce tensions and work towards peace.
Lichfield
Question
The initial autopsy said it was impossible to determine who fired the fatal shot because the bullet removed was a 5.56x45 mm NATO round used both by Israelis and Palestinians. May I ask my hon. Friend to ensure this is an independent inquiry so justice can be seen to be done?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is right about justice; it must be fair, impartial, thorough, and prompt.
John McDonnell
Lab
Hayes and Harlington
Question
Let us put the killing in context of systematic abuse of Palestinian journalists. Given that, will the Minister summon the Israeli ambassador to discuss concerns about Israel's behaviour?
Minister reply
We have condemned Shireen Abu Aqla’s death, called for an investigation through our ambassadors and consul, worked with UN Security Council members, and continue to press for peace.
Stella Creasy
Lab Co-op
Walthamstow
Question
Members have called for not just an impartial but independent inquiry. Given the compelling evidence pointing to Israeli forces' responsibility for Shireen’s murder, will the Minister confirm that the UK’s official position is for an independent inquiry?
Minister reply
It is important we work with partners through the UN Security Council. The agreed wording calls for an impartial investigation.
Afzal Khan
Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Question
After decades of violence and disregard for human rights, why are the Government not pushing for a full independent inquiry? For the fourth time, will the Minister summon the Israeli ambassador to demonstrate outrage at security forces' actions during Shireen’s funeral?
Minister reply
Shireen’s death was tragic; we have condemned it. We work rapidly with our colleagues at the UN Security Council to deliver joint statements and call for investigations.
Grahame Morris
Lab
Easington
Question
I refer to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests including my role as co-chair of the cross-party National Union of Journalists group. How can it be acceptable for police or security services to attack pallbearers? Not only do we call for condemnation, but for a fifth time, I call on her to summon the Israeli ambassador here to account for her actions.
Minister reply
Mourners should always be treated with respect and dignity. We totally condemn Shireen’s death and manner in which she died; an urgent investigation is needed.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Question
Will the Minister support the IFJ’s complaint to the ICC to ensure independence and impartiality in the investigation?
Minister reply
We have been working with UN Security Council members on joint statements about the investigation. No further details can be shared at present.
Zarah Sultana
Green
Coventry South
Question
Israel continuously targets Palestinian journalists, including Shireen Abu Aqla. What will it take for the Government to stop equivocating over these horrific crimes and hold Israel to account? And for the seventh time, will the Minister summon the Israeli ambassador?
Minister reply
We stand by journalists across the world; we continue raising issues of media freedom on the global stage.
Carol Monaghan
SNP
Glasgow North West
Question
Many are puzzled by her reluctance to summon the Israeli ambassador. Will the Government now commit to supporting ICC investigations into this incident and wider behaviour of IDF in occupied territories?
Minister reply
Not only have we worked with UN Security Council members condemning this incident, but we continue urging further transparent investigations of recent killings.
Andrew Slaughter
Lab
Hammersmith
Question
Another journalist is murdered in occupied Palestine. Next, the occupying power raids her family home, and then its forces brutally attack pallbearers at Shireen’s funeral. In light of that, what single step has the Government taken to oppose the occupation?
Minister reply
We have led work at UN to ensure there is a joint statement not just from us but from entire security council.
Diane Abbott
Ind
Hackney North and Stoke Newington
Question
Does the Minister appreciate that everyone in this House regrets the killing of men and women in Israel, whether they are Israeli or Palestinian? It is quite wrong to imply anything else. There has been talk of the necessity of establishing the facts. Does she appreciate that the facts of the terrible scenes at Shireen’s funeral are beyond doubt?
Minister reply
The right hon. Lady is absolutely right that all deaths in this situation are a total tragedy. What happened at Shireen’s funeral should not have happened.
Mohammad Yasin
Lab
Bedford
Question
The murder of Shireen Abu Aqla and the attacks on mourners at her funeral have shocked the world. It is not enough to condemn those actions; we must take action. When will the UK Government stop authorising arms sales to Israel, as we know they are killing innocent Palestinians?
Minister reply
We take the export of arms extremely seriously. As has been said many times in this House, the United Kingdom has one of the most robust arms export control regimes anywhere in the world.
Question
In the Minister’s statement and subsequent answers, she mentioned her attempts to get a statement at the United Nations. The problem is that Israel has consistently ignored any critical statements coming out of the UN, and has even sought to undermine the legitimacy of the UN and other international institutions. Why does she think this time will be any different?
Minister reply
It is important that voices from across the world have condemned this awful deed.
Clapham and Brixton Hill
Question
This is not the first time this has happened; nor will it be the last. Under occupation, Palestinians’ human rights are abused, and as we have seen, they cannot even bury their dead with dignity. Does the Minister understand that until we have a lasting peace, we will not tackle the situation at its root?
Minister reply
It is clear that unilateral recognition, by itself, will not end the occupation. We need the parties to come to talks and to work towards peace.
Nadia Whittome
Lab
Nottingham East
Question
The killing of Shireen Abu Aqla by the Israeli military and the subsequent attack on her funeral in Jerusalem demonstrate the reality of the occupation of the west bank. Amnesty International has said that it constitutes apartheid, which is a crime against humanity as defined in the Rome statute and the apartheid convention. Will the Minister not only condemn this act of inhumanity but commit now to summoning the Israeli ambassador?
Minister reply
I have already stated many times the actions that we are taking. Of course Ministers consider, at all times, what further steps might be taken.
Matt Western
Lab
Warwick and Leamington
Question
I have had a great many letters from my constituents since the brutal murder of Shireen Abu Aqla, as have, I am sure, many other Members from across the House. They are saddened. They are sickened by the scenes at her funeral. They are also deeply angry about the lack of reaction. The Minister said the word “impartial”, but can she not press the Government to push for an independent investigation into this death?
Minister reply
The most important thing about the investigation is that it be accountable and ensures that those who carried out this act be held to account.
Andy McDonald
Lab
Middlesbrough and Thornaby East
Question
Surely the appalling desecration of the funeral of Shireen Abu Aqla is evidence, if any more were needed, of the crime of apartheid that is being inflicted on the Palestinian people and has been rigorously documented by Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and the Israeli human rights organisation B’Tselem. Instead of passing laws to ban local authorities and civil society from taking action against this brutal occupation, is it not time to accept the legal analysis of those human rights organisations, and do the right and moral thing and impose sanctions in response to this appalling criminality?
Minister reply
I am afraid I need to disagree with the hon. Gentleman, because we do not believe that boycotts, divestment or sanctions would help to create an atmosphere conducive to peace.
Question
The sad reality is that the horrific murder of Shireen is just another tragedy in 74 years of unaddressed ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people, yet rather than sanction Israel for that behaviour, 55 years after occupation began, the UK Government are busy strengthening relations with it through new trade deals. I ask the Minister, for the first time: why will she not summon the ambassador of Israel to the Foreign Office?
Minister reply
The most important thing we need to do is try to work towards peace.
Question
We know that Shireen was wearing a press vest and helmet, yet in addressing the circumstances of her murder, an Israeli military spokesperson said: “They’re armed with cameras, if you’ll permit me to say so.” Will the Minister be unequivocal in her support for journalists and transparency in Palestine, condemn any sense that to carry a camera is to be armed, and reaffirm that respect for a free press should be fundamental in any state calling itself a democracy?
Minister reply
The United Kingdom stands on the side of journalists all around the world, wherever they are.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
May I first declare an interest as a member of a Friends of Israel group? May I also thank the Minister for her response to the urgent question? I have seen innocent bystanders killed on numerous occasions in Northern Ireland. As the Minister will know, similarities are being drawn with Lyra KcKee, a journalist reporting on the unrest in 2019 who was killed by the new IRA. Does the Minister not agree that the loss of life is truly tragic, and that all possible steps must be taken to ensure the safety of those who seek to report the news from an unbiased position? What steps does she feel her Department can take to send that message internationally?
Minister reply
We absolutely continue to call out attacks against journalists and media internationally.
Question
I send my condolences to the family and colleagues of Shireen Abu Aqla. Can the Minister confirm that, contrary to the statement of the Israeli military spokesperson, the fact that a journalist is armed with a camera does not make that journalist a target?
Minister reply
Journalists should never be targets.
Shadow Comment
Bambos Charalambous
Shadow Comment
The Labour party unequivocally condemns the killing of Shireen Abu Aqla, an attack on media freedom. The scenes at her funeral were disturbing, with Israeli police attacking mourners. There must be an urgent independent inquiry to ensure justice for her death and uphold international human rights. Tensions in the region are high due to recent violence.
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