Lebanon Ceasefire 2024-10-22
2024-10-22
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
Calls for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict in Lebanon, with concerns over attacks on UNIFIL bases.
What diplomatic steps he is taking to help secure a ceasefire in Lebanon. The reported attacks on United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon bases by the Israel Defence Forces show disregard for resolution 1701 and the existing diplomatic framework for peace. Can the Foreign Minister tell the House what discussions he has had with Israeli political leaders to supplement that action?
We are absolutely clear that attacks by the IDF on UNIFIL bases must stop, and they must stop immediately. We have called on Israel to that effect. We have called on all parties to uphold their obligations in ensuring the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel. I am sure that many in this House will be looking each day at the reports from UNIFIL on the situation there.
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Q2
Direct Answer
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Concern over the increase in violence after Israel's ground invasion of Lebanon and calls for a political solution.
Does the Minister agree that there is no military solution to the conflict in Lebanon? Will he outline again in more detail what diplomatic efforts he is making to ensure that we have a ceasefire so that Lebanese and Israeli civilians can return to their homes?
We agree very much. Only a political solution will enable Lebanese civilians to return to their homes and Israeli civilians to return to the north of Israel. Clearly Hezbollah has been conducting terrible attacks on northern Israel for a long time—from 8 October, which was a terrible day to choose to start. We are working with all our allies on a plan based around resolution 1701.
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Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
Reports of attacks on UNIFIL bases by the Israel Defence Forces.
What discussions has he had with Israeli political leaders to supplement that action?
We are absolutely clear that attacks by the IDF on UNIFIL bases must stop, and they must stop immediately. We have called on Israel to that effect. We have called on all parties to uphold their obligations in ensuring the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel.
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Q4
Direct Answer
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Concern over the effectiveness of UNIFIL and resolution 1701.
What discussions will the Foreign Secretary be having with the United Nations to ensure that something is put in place to replace 1701, to strengthen the role of UNIFIL and prevent aggressive action by Hezbollah and its fellow travellers?
The first thing we have to do is get Hezbollah back north of the Litani river, consistent with 1701. We should not move away from 1701 until we have made progress under it. I recognise the force of what the right hon. Gentleman says about the concerns about Hezbollah's presence close to the Israeli border, in breach of UN Security Council resolutions.
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Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
A request from a constituent, Finn Pugh, for reassurances on humanitarian support.
Finn Pugh wrote to me. He said: “Lebanon is a wonderful place. It does not deserve this. I would like the Government to protect the people of Lebanon and give them supplies like food and water.” What reassurances can the Minister give Finn?
Over the course of the past few weeks, we have announced £15 million of aid for the people affected by the strikes in Lebanon and those who are now crossing towards Syria. Finn is right to have the people of Lebanon in his mind, and we are doing all we can to try to ensure that the humanitarian system in Lebanon can support the people Finn is concerned about.
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Q6
Partial Answer
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Concerns over attacks on UNIFIL watchtowers.
Today we hear that one of UNIFIL's watchtowers was bombed by the Israel Defence Forces. First, was that one of the watchtowers that we have provided? Secondly, what conversations has the Minister had with his colleagues about beefing up our support to UNIFIL and taking our troop numbers up from one?
I will have to write to my right hon. Friend about the specific watchtower and whether we have provided any aid. Underlying her point, I think, is a question about what we do when our statements about UNIFIL are not abided by.
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Specifics on whether the UK-provided watchtowers were damaged and plans for troop numbers increase
Will Have To Write
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Q7
Direct Answer
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Calls for a sustained peace through stopping Hezbollah operations.
There is only one route to sustained peace in Lebanon, and that is for the UN and the Lebanese state to stop Hezbollah carrying out its operations. That's right, isn't it?
We agree that Lebanese Hezbollah should not be conducting the actions that it has been conducting. As I said in response to the previous question, this situation needs to be resolved in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions. If the right hon. Gentleman is asking me whether we think what Lebanese Hezbollah is doing across the blue line is correct or justifiable, my answer is that it is not.
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