Expresses deep concern over recent violence in Jerusalem, including illegal evictions in Sheikh Jarrah and resultant injuries from Israeli authorities' reaction. Cites UN envoy's warning of 'escalating towards a full-scale war.' Asks Minister if UK will back Security Council resolutions condemning attacks regardless of US stance; issue strong EU statement on de-escalation; take steps to stop illegal evictions; support new peace negotiations and Palestinian elections; recognise Palestine.

Asks Minister to press for both sides to return to direct peace talks given the indiscriminate firing of over 1,000 rockets by Hamas and Israeli aggression. Abhors targeting of civilians against international law.

Strongly condemns indiscriminate firing of over 1,000 rockets by Hamas and Israeli actions killing Palestinian civilians. Urges Government to prevent further conflict, uphold international law regarding evictions in East Jerusalem, respect religious sites, and commit to a two-state solution.

The Minister will know how deeply shocked many of my constituents in Gloucester and across the land are by the extraordinary images this week, during Ramadan, of the Israeli defence force effectively attacking the al-Aqsa mosque, the centre of Islamic worship in Jerusalem for hundreds of years. Although the rocket attacks by Hamas from Gaza are completely indefensible, it is clear that a major cause of the increased discontent is the number of illegal evictions from Sheikh Jarrah. Will my right hon. Friend confirm today that the Government will ask Israel to cease immediately any further illegal evictions from East Jerusalem and to respect the sanctity of mosques, for without both of these steps surely an already fragile situation can only deteriorate further?

I congratulate the hon. Member for Oxford West and Abingdon (Layla Moran) on bringing this very urgent issue to the House. The SNP condemns all violence whoever perpetrates it and whoever it is perpetrated against. We send our deepest condolences to the innocents who have been caught up in this dreadful conflict. We are a friend of Palestine, we are a friend of Israel also, but above all else we stand four-square behind international law, and it is through that prism that we need to look at this latest flashover of a long-simmering injustice. I have two points for the Minister. I agree with much of the tone and sentiment of his statement—it is worth stressing the House’s unity in this—but surely now is the time to recognise Palestine. That would give an impetus to the two-state solution. Secondly, settler goods by their very definition are illegal. The UK should not be trading in them, and if we will not ban them from our presence, can we not at least label them as such so that consumers can make a choice? We do have influence within the state of Israel, which is a deeply complex place. The Israeli Government are not entirely in charge of events, and we do have influence. Warm words, however sincere, will not cut it. Now is the time for action.

Many in Dudley South are shocked at the scenes from the al-Aqsa mosque and a police response that does not appear to be proportionate. Does my right hon. Friend agree that a lasting two-state solution requires both sides to feel secure, and that means a stop to the stream of rocket attacks from Hamas, restraint from Israeli forces and the wider population, and a reconsideration of the evictions and settlements policy by the Israeli Government and courts?

My constituents have watched with growing anxiety, anger and, frankly, horror the spiralling events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The threat of forcible evictions and demolitions, restrictions on Palestinians entering the city of Jerusalem, and violence against worshippers at the al-Aqsa mosque have all inflamed tensions, and we now see a terrifying escalation, with Hamas rocket attacks and Israeli airstrikes killing and injuring innocent Israeli and Palestinian civilians. Both are unacceptable and both must end, but does the Minister agree that, if proper accountability and the rule of law had been followed in the past, we might not be where we are today, and what steps will he take now to ensure that the Israeli Government adhere to international law, end the evictions, end the discriminatory planning laws and end the construction of illegal settlements?

If my right hon. Friend examines his statements today and compares them with those made by the Foreign Office 25 years ago in respect of illegal settlements at Har Homa, he will find a remarkable similarity. What has changed is the end of any hope for the Oslo peace process, built out of existence by illegal settlements, and the dominance of factions in both communities of those least committed to justice, security and reconciliation between the Israeli and Palestinian peoples. When will the United Kingdom work to achieve real accountability for those breaching international and humanitarian law, including those indiscriminately mortaring the innocent, the disproportionate response by the occupiers to violence by the occupied, and decades of the violation of the fourth Geneva convention that has made a practical mockery of the British policy commitment to a two-state solution?

On behalf of the many constituents of Newport East who have been in touch with me over the last couple of days expressing their horror at events and calling for an end to the violence, may I join others here in asking the Minister to use the considerable diplomacy of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to try to bring an end to this humanitarian crisis? The murder and maiming of children and civilians cannot be the solution to the ongoing tragedy of this conflict.

I draw the House’s attention to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said: “Our commitment to Israeli security is unwavering”.—[Official Report, 16 March 2021; Vol. 691, c. 172.] Of the thousand rockets that have been fired towards Israel, many have fallen short and caused damage and death in Gaza. Will the Minister confirm that we are doing everything possible to support our close ally against what amount to nothing more than terrorist groups out to seek Israel’s destruction?

The covid-19 pandemic has hit Palestinian communities disproportionately hard, but despite Israel’s having the world’s highest covid-19 vaccination rate, it remains the case that fewer than 150,000 Palestinians have been vaccinated in the occupied west bank and Gaza. What are FCDO Ministers and their representatives there doing to rectify that injustice?

The MP condemns violence against worshippers at the al-Aqsa mosque and asks for continued assurances that the UK will raise issues of freedom of religion or belief with Israeli authorities, also urging inclusion on G7 agenda.

After years of persecution and oppression in Palestinian territories, the MP asks how many more debates will be needed before international community acts on Palestinians' rights.

The MP asks if continuing on the path of normalisation between Palestinian Authority and Israel is key to long-term peace.

Questioning the consistency of UK's approach to criticism, calling for support in investigating ICC.

Concerned by proposed evictions in Sheikh Jarrah and activities outside al-Aqsa mosque, asks for assurance that Government will use diplomatic network to de-escalate.

Asking for measures beyond ending current hostilities, highlighting lack of accountability from previous conflicts.

Referring to Abraham accords, asks about discussions with Israeli and Gulf counterparts on de-escalation.

Questions the British Government's position on forced evictions in East Jerusalem and sincerity of Netanyahu’s government towards a two-state solution.

Welcoming Government's call for de-escalation and peace amid violence in Jerusalem.

The Government’s response to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is inadequate. The Palestinians have been living under brutal oppression from Israel, with the tacit consent of the west. Does the Minister think it appropriate that the UK grants arms licences that see UK weapons being used in indiscriminate attacks on civilians by Israel?

Would Israel sleep more soundly at night if access to holy sites was maintained as agreed in 1967, free Palestinian elections were allowed in East Jerusalem, and Palestinians were not being evicted from their homes?

What actions are being taken by the UK Government to ensure Israel adheres to international law amidst violence against worshippers during Ramadan and evictions in Sheikh Jarrah?

Does the Minister agree that Hamas has been allowed to build a terrorist city state in Gaza and divert humanitarian resources into stockpiling missiles, and is it wrong to draw equivalence between actions of terrorists and those defending their citizens?

Will the Minister demand that Israel end all discriminatory and illegal practices and ensure accountability for violations of international law going on for 50 years?

Does my right hon. Friend agree that a two-state solution based on 1967 borders with agreed land swaps is the only way to deliver Palestinian self-determination and end Arab-Israeli conflict?

What specific actions will the Government take to encourage Israel to guarantee freedom of worship for Muslims at the al-Aqsa mosque during Ramadan?

Does my right hon. Friend agree that Hamas’s stated objective is to obliterate the state of Israel and that Palestinian people need to free themselves from being used as human shields by Hamas?

Given that missile technology employed in attacking Israeli heartlands could only come from Iran, does my right hon. Friend agree that now is not the time for a deal with Iran rewarding it for instigating instability in the region?

What does my right hon. Friend say to those who seek divisions between communities here, and will he thank CST for their work keeping the Jewish community safe?