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Israel and Palestine
14 September 2026
Lead MP
Stephen Doughty
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
EconomyCommunity SecurityForeign AffairsReligion & Faith
Other Contributors: 42
At a Glance
Stephen Doughty raised concerns about israel and palestine 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:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Stephen Doughty, as Minister of State for the middle east, outlined the Government's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasising the need for peace, security, and a two-state solution. He acknowledged the strong views of Members from across the House and highlighted the Government's commitment to addressing the illegal actions of the Israeli Government, including settlement expansion and withholding of aid to Gaza. Doughty emphasised the importance of rooting out antisemitism in the UK and supporting Jewish communities facing threats. He also discussed the legal implications of the occupation, the implementation of new sanctions against illegal settlements, and the ongoing efforts to support peace and reform in Palestine.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Jim Shannon expressed concern over the 'one-sided' trade ban imposed by the Labour Government and its potential impact on the UK's security and intelligence sharing with Israel. He also highlighted the need for reassurance to Jewish constituents regarding the diplomatic relationship between the UK and Israel.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Andrew Murrison questioned the Minister about the findings of the Campaign against Antisemitism, which revealed instances of antisemitism in the NHS. He emphasised the importance of ensuring equitable treatment of Jewish patients and staff in healthcare settings.
Danny Beales inquired about the Government's position on the international peace fund, its role in building bridges between communities, and the support for civil society in Gaza and Israel. He highlighted the importance of the fund in promoting peace and stability.
Meg Hillier
Lab
Hackney South and Shoreditch
Meg Hillier commended the Minister and the Foreign Secretary for their stance on the settlements. She raised concerns about the legal definition of genocide in Palestine and inquired about any conversations with the Israeli Government regarding the Foreign Secretary’s statement.
Alex Sobel
Lab
Leeds North West
Alex Sobel acknowledged constituents who have moved from Israel to Leeds due to the actions of the Israeli Government and expressed support for the ban on Israeli settlement goods and services. He emphasised the importance of standing firmly behind international law and human rights.
Jeremy Corbyn
Lab
Islington North
Jeremy Corbyn asked whether the Minister had discussed with the Israeli Government the issue of undefined borders, which he considered a fundamental problem in any future discussions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Jim Shannon inquired about the Minister's vision for a future where Hamas does not play a part. He sought clarity on how the Minister envisaged such a future.
Fleur Anderson raised concerns about the withholding of $5 billion in revenue from the Palestinian people by the Israeli Government and inquired about any meetings with the Israeli Government regarding the return of these revenues through a trusted third party.
Alex Ballinger discussed the documentary 'NAZA' and raised questions about the targeting systems used by the IDF in Gaza. He inquired about accountability for the targeting systems and the deaths of former British servicemen at the World Central Kitchen.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Somerton and Frome
Called for the UK to maintain constructive relationships with Israel and the Palestinian Authority to foster peace. Critiqued the UK government's recent sanctions on Israel, questioning their timing and effectiveness. Called for clarity on the UK's position regarding the sequencing of disarmament and withdrawal, and asked about potential diplomatic accreditation for a Hamas representative if they win Palestinian elections. Raised concerns over the closure of the UK training advisory mission to Palestinian security forces and the consulate in Jerusalem. Also discussed the broader regional instability caused by Iran and the Houthi threat to the Bab el-Mandeb strait, and called for the Prime Minister to take action to protect UK interests.
Andy McDonald
Lab
Middlesbrough
Andy McDonald welcomes the Foreign Secretary’s statement on Israel’s occupation of Palestine being unlawful and supports the Government’s commitment to refuse arms licences where exports materially contribute to the unlawful occupation. He emphasises the need for the UK to act on the risk of genocide and supports the appropriate legal processes to establish responsibility for war crimes in Gaza. McDonald also welcomes the proposed sanctions on goods and services linked to illegal settlements and hopes for a sustained reset to achieve a two-state solution.
Emphasised the need for the UK Government to push the United States to take action against Israeli atrocities.
Asked about the historical move to make Gaza a food-growing area and whether this should be part of the development process.
Suggested that a comprehensive peace settlement should allow for the return of 700,000 people forcibly expelled during the Nakba to their homes in the West Bank, Gaza, and elsewhere.
Imran Hussain
Lab
Bradford East
Welcomes the Foreign Secretary's announcement but argues for urgent and further immediate action to end arms sales to Israel and to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Emphasises the need to support international law and institutions such as the ICJ and ICC.
Agrees with Imran Hussain's view that the Palestinian people and the international community should set what happens in the future in the territories of Palestine, rather than it being solely Israel's responsibility.
Agrees with Imran Hussain's point that community organisations and friendship groups have had an important role in influencing the Government to take robust steps.
Argues that the Government should act as soon as there is a serious risk that genocide may be occurring, not wait for a final judgment from a competent court.
Welcomes the Foreign Secretary's announcement but expresses concern over the closure of the FCDO's international humanitarian law cell and the funding cuts to the conflict and security monitoring project run by the Centre for Information Resilience, which provides critical data for FCDO decisions on arms export control licences and international humanitarian law breaches.
Agrees with Brian Mathew's point and expresses concern over the closure of the atrocity prevention centre, which was set up to identify early signs of ethnic cleansing and improve the Foreign Office's response.
Meg Hillier
Lab
Hackney South and Shoreditch
Meg Hillier thanked Matthew Patrick for his speech and the tone of his comments. She questioned whether twinning with Israeli cities is an important initiative for dialogue between the peoples of the UK, Israel, and Palestine.
Jonathan Pearce supported Matthew Patrick's speech, calling on the Government to redouble their efforts to secure the international fund for Israeli-Palestinian peace, which would help communities build peace from the grassroots level.
Ayoub Khan
Lab
Rotherham
Khan argued for a comprehensive approach to ending illegal settlements by proposing bans on trade with Israel and sanctions against those who finance, approve, and build settlements. He also addressed the rise of antisemitism and anti-Muslim hate, emphasising the need to uphold human rights and condemn hate crimes without fear or favour.
Warinder Juss agreed with the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion that declared Israel's continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories as unlawful and urged for a distinction between the actions of the Israeli Government and the state of Israel itself.
Glasgow Cathcart
Welcomed the contribution of the Minister and the Foreign Secretary, expressing interest in the situation in Israel and Palestine. Visited the region in May and found the events of 7 October to be shocking. Called for a public inquiry into the events and criticised the Israeli Government's response as disproportionate. Emphasised the continuous issue of settlements in the West Bank and the daily challenges faced by Palestinians. Raised concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the lack of proper aid distribution. Called for more support for Palestinian students and access to healthcare in the UK.
Responded to Patricia Ferguson's speech, agreeing with her and highlighting a report by the West Bank Protection Consortium that documents various forms of sexual violence against Palestinians, which is used to forcibly displace them. Called for accountability for those responsible for such violence.
Martin Vickers
Con
Cleethorpes
Mr Vickers stated his support for Israel as the home of the Jewish people but criticised the Israeli Government's actions as violations of international law and expressed concern over the loss of innocent Palestinian lives. He emphasised the need for the international community to call out Israeli policy that prevents a two-state solution and highlighted the importance of recognising Palestine, despite the symbolic nature of such a recognition.
Naseem Shah
Lab
Bradford West
The MP discusses the impact of the conflict on the UK, highlighting the loss of life, the dangers faced by aid workers and journalists, and the need for accountability. The speech also mentions the closure of the British consulate in East Jerusalem by Israel, the report by B’Tselem on the west bank, and the need for the UK to expedite measures against illegal Israeli settlements.
Jeremy Corbyn
Lab
Islington North
Corbyn criticises the lack of urgency and clarity in the Government’s policy changes regarding Israel. He highlights the massive loss of life in Gaza and the destruction of infrastructure, as well as the ongoing illegal activities in the West Bank and Lebanon. He calls for a stronger stance on international law and the enforcement of sanctions against Israel, and urges the Government to recognise the complicity in acts of genocide when providing support to Israel. Corbyn also highlights the historical and moral responsibilities of the UK in the conflict and calls for a public inquiry into Britain's policy in Gaza.
Bournemouth East
Congratulates the Government on the significant policy shift regarding Israel and Palestine, welcoming the recognition of the occupation as unlawful and the ban on imports from settlements. However, he criticises the Netanyahu Government for rejecting peace proposals and the role of Hamas as a terrorist organisation. Calls for further sanctions on extremist settlers and members of the Israeli Cabinet complicit in illegal settlement expansion. Emphasises the need for accountability and the recognition of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Stresses the importance of IDF pulling back from Gaza and Hamas disarming for peace.
Over 90% of the Gaza strip’s healthcare infrastructure has been either destroyed or damaged. Cables have been cut to stop people in Gaza getting proper healthcare. I have heard directly from British doctors in the area who have witnessed the deliberate destruction of medical equipment in front of their eyes. This healthocide extends to the west bank. My hon. Friend the Member for Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket and I were denied access when we tried to look at the healthcare facilities in the west bank approximately a year ago. The Israelis have withheld billions of dollars of tax revenue from the Palestinian Authority, which means that healthcare workers are not being paid. Some have not been paid for the last six months, so workers are cutting their hours and clinics have had to close. I found out today from Medical Aid for Palestinians that healthcare workers have to wear bullet-proof vests when they go outside because they are being targeted by Israeli forces. Medical staff are regularly harassed, ambulances’ movements are restricted, and checkpoint delays are costing lives when every minute matters in medical emergencies. Things are getting worse. The WHO said that in June of this year there were eight attacks on healthcare workers, and in July there were 37 attacks. Also in July, a four-month-old Palestinian boy died after Israeli forces at a military checkpoint west of Ramallah prevented his transfer to a hospital. I agree with our Prime Minister: our party’s rhetoric and our Government’s actions have been totally inadequate in response to these atrocities, but we are now beginning to right that wrong. We have a Foreign Secretary who has restored dignity and credibility in this Chamber, and we have a Government who are finally acknowledging that war crimes have been committed and that the occupation is illegal, and they have backed it up with meaningful action—a Government who will stand up and not stand by. It is long overdue, and we must go further, but it is such a welcome change. I want to end my speech on a positive note. Amid all the horror of the last few years, there have been people who have refused to give up on the possibility of peace. I pay tribute to two brilliant Jewish-led organisations, Standing Together and Na’amod. Standing Together brings Jewish and Palestinian citizens of Israel together around a simple belief: that the future of one people cannot be built on the destruction of another. Here in Britain, Na’amod have shown extraordinary moral courage. They are a movement of British Jews campaigning against the occupation for the freedom and dignity of Palestinians. I was proud to be hosting them here in Parliament two hours ago. I am glad that our Government will no longer be bystanders, but we must be bolder and move faster. We must use every lever possible to help to bring this illegal occupation to an end, because history will judge us on whether we did enough when it really mattered.
I want to start by congratulating the latest iteration of the Labour Government for finally growing a backbone and doing what anybody with a moral conscience would and should have done years ago. While I genuinely welcome the statement and the sanctions that were announced last week—I really do—it is crucial that we remember that this is not the end goal, and that we do not lose sight of just how long Israel has been conducting violence and terror against the Palestinian people, and how long the UK Government have known in detail and failed to do anything about it. It was 25 years ago that Israel constructed a wall in the occupied west bank, barricading Palestinians in, separating families, denying them access to their land and enforcing a regime of illegal annexation and apartheid —treating an entire population like they were animals. The UK Government knew that and did nothing. It was 22 years ago that the ICJ confirmed that the construction of that wall was an unlawful use of force and violated international law. At the time, the UK Government accepted that and still did nothing. It was 20 years ago that the UK Government accepted that Israel was systematically abusing human rights in Palestine. Members of Parliament from across this House have gone to the west bank and seen it with their own eyes, and yet no action has been taken. There have been debates and statements of condemnation, and yet thousands of Palestinians have been killed, thousands of homes have been destroyed and thousands of children will grow up without their parents because the UK Government had no political incentive to act. I thank the hon. Member for Glasgow West for raising the murder of Awdah Hathaleen, who was murdered a year ago by an Israeli settler in the village of Umm al-Kheir. Awdah was a friend of mine. I knew him well, and I grieve his murder every single day. Awdah was known to this House, because in 2024 he visited Westminster and spoke to parliamentarians. He visited Government officials in the FCDO and detailed the horror of living under illegal occupation in the west bank. He asked the UK Government to act and, at the time, they did not. Just think: how many Palestinian lives could have been spared if the UK Government 25 years ago had acted on the information and the facts that were in front of them. How many Israeli lives could have been spared? I might be new to this House, but I have watched every single debate in this place on Palestine and Israel, not just for the last three years since the genocide but for years before that. I will not make any friends when I say this, but I am so disappointed at how few Members across the House have raised their head above the parapet to condemn the UK Government’s continued support of Israel, and at how so many Members are doing so now just because it is politically convenient for them to do so. I genuinely welcome the statement given by the Government last week and genuinely hope that this causes a change, and that it saves Palestinian lives. But I cannot forgive, and so many others will never forget just how long it has taken the UK Government to finally do the right thing.
Helen Hayes
Lab
Dulwich and West Norwood
Ms Hayes expressed her views on the situation in Israel and Palestine, including the issue of settlement activity and the humanitarian situation in Gaza. She highlighted her visits to the west bank and kibbutz communities in Israel, emphasising the suffering caused by settler terrorism and the destruction of Palestinian homes and communities. She also welcomed the Government's decision to recognise the state of Palestine and the ban on trade with illegal settlements, while pressing the Minister for urgent humanitarian measures in Gaza and clarity on the Government's position on peace and justice.
Lindsay Hoyle
Lab
Chorley
Mr Hoyle announced the results of the Select Committee elections, including those for the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee, Justice Committee, and Women and Equalities Committee. He congratulated the newly elected chairs and thanked the staff for their work on the elections.
Ellie Chowns
Lab
Dartford
International law and human rights frameworks are crucial. The atrocities in Gaza and the West Bank must be condemned, and Israel's human rights crimes must be held accountable. The UK's recent decisions are welcome but insufficient, and more action is needed. MPs must also address hate crime and uphold the principles of justice, democracy, human rights, and religious and political pluralism.
Welcomes the UK Government's steps to ban trade with illegal Israeli settlements and strengthen sanctions. Expresses disappointment in Israel's refusal to launch a criminal investigation into the death of humanitarian worker Jim Henderson. Emphasises the need for an independent investigation and justice for victims and their families. Questions the involvement of RAF planes in the incident.
Vikki Slade
Con
Dudley South
Emphasised the importance of a two-state solution and criticised Israel for its actions in Gaza, while also highlighting concerns about the UK's stance on proscription. Vikki Slade expressed the need for the UK to protect the humanitarian situation in Gaza and called for a review of the proscription of groups related to Palestine.
Brian Leishman
Lab
Glasgow North East
Called for the UK to take a stronger stance against Israel, recognising the historical context of British involvement in the Middle East. Leishman criticised the UK's appeasement of Israel and called for immediate action, including targeted sanctions and support for legal actions against Israel for its actions in Gaza and the West Bank.
Poole
The Foreign Secretary's commitment to accountability in Gaza and the West Bank is appreciated, but the murder of John Chapman and his colleagues cannot go without accountability. The IDF's actions and refusal to pursue criminal proceedings are disgraceful. The Government must take steps to secure justice for the victims and their families and consider a comprehensive arms embargo with Israel.
Lincoln Jopp
Con
Dewsbury
There is general consensus for a two-state solution that guarantees security and stability for both Israelis and Palestinians. However, banning goods from Israeli settlements may harm innocent Palestinians and Israelis. Intelligence co-operation with Israel is strategically important for British security. The Government must clarify how a ban on trade with settlements would be implemented and address potential retaliation from Israel.
Uma Kumaran
Lab
Stratford and Bow
The Minister emphasised the importance of responding to the deteriorating situation in Palestine, including a sharp rise in settler violence, accelerating settlement expansion, and a failure to hold perpetrators accountable. The Government is working alongside other countries to implement sanctions and designations to prevent settlement expansion. The measures are designed to target illegal settlement activity while protecting legitimate trade between the UK and Israel. The UK will continue to support humanitarian assistance to Gaza and will resume support for children needing urgent medical care. The Minister also addressed concerns about rising antisemitism and the impact of Iran's actions in the region.
Andy McDonald
Lab
Middlesbrough
The shadow Minister acknowledged the steps taken by the Government but emphasised that the duty to act in cases of genocide risk is immediate, not contingent on legal processes. He welcomed the steps taken thus far but urged the Government to act proactively when the risk of genocide is known.
Government Response
The Minister responded to the concerns raised, emphasising that the UK supports full, robust and fair judicial processes to consider allegations of genocide, with final determinations made by competent courts. She reiterated that the measures are designed to target illegal settlement activity and to protect legitimate trade between the UK and Israel. The Minister also addressed concerns about rising antisemitism and the impact of Iran's actions in the region.
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