Israel and Palestine 2023-12-12
2023-12-12
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, with a focus on Israel's military operations in Gaza.
Whether he has made an assessment of the effectiveness of Israel's campaign against Hamas. The Minister will have access to intelligence—ours and that of our allies—that he may not be in a position to share with the House. Will he therefore share his understanding of the effectiveness of Israel's campaign to weaken and eliminate Hamas and return the hostages, given the appalling and unacceptable loss of innocent Palestinian life—thousands and thousands of children have been maimed and killed—given the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, given that more than 100 Israeli hostages remain in captivity there, and given that Hamas continues to fire rockets into Israel every day?
We are doing everything we can to help the hostages to whom she referred and to ensure that they come home. We do that through negotiations, not least in Qatar, and through the overflights, which I referred to earlier.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific understanding of the effectiveness of Israel's campaign against Hamas was not provided.
We Are Doing Everything We Can
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Recent Israeli military operations in Gaza have led to significant civilian casualties, with 61% of deaths being civilians.
The aerial bombardment by Israel of one of the most densely populated regions in the world in Gaza has been devastating. Recent statistics reported in Israel show that 61% of deaths in Gaza have been civilians. When the Prime Minister spoke to the Israeli Prime Minister last week, did he urge him to stop besieging and blockading Gaza, to comply with international law, which must mean being proportionate, and to protect innocent lives?
The hon. Member is right. At the COP, the Prime Minister was able to have meetings with Qatar, Egypt and Jordan, as well as with Israel, and he reiterated the point that he has made publicly before, which is that Israel has the right to self-defence, but it must operate within international humanitarian law.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly confirm if PM urged specific actions during his conversation.
Reiterated Public Statements
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Minister advocates for a two-state solution but the Government does not recognise Palestine.
The Minister talks about the need for a two-state solution, and we will not find much disagreement on that, but how can he advocate a two-state solution when the Government refuse to recognise the state of Palestine? Is he confident that there will be much left of Palestine after Israel's continued bombardment?
The Government strongly support the two-state solution. Of course, before these terrible events on 7 October, there were new partnerships with Israel developing across the middle east: one thinks in particular of the Emirates and Bahrain.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address how to advocate for a two-state solution without recognising Palestine.
Referring To Pre-Existing Partnerships
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The single best solution for peace in the region is a two-state solution, but there are kidnappers, murderers and rapists involved.
Notwithstanding the attempted genocide of 7 October and the cynical use of Palestinian civilians as human shields, the single best solution for peace in the region is a two-state solution. What steps are the Government taking to facilitate that?
Yes. We certainly agree with the United States that Gaza should be under Palestinian control in due course and that there is no place for Hamas in all of that.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific steps being taken towards a two-state solution.
Agreed With Us Stance
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The conflict in Gaza continues, with significant humanitarian impact.
Will he share his understanding of the effectiveness of Israel's campaign to weaken and eliminate Hamas and return the hostages?
We are doing everything we can to help the hostages to whom she referred and to ensure that they come home. We do that through negotiations, not least in Qatar, and through the overflights, which I referred to earlier.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not share understanding of campaign effectiveness.
We Are Doing Everything We Can
Response accuracy