Israel, Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territories Humanitarian Access and Human Rights 2023-10-24
2023-10-24
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Questions & Answers
Q1
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UK is concerned about the accessibility of Gaza by humanitarian organisations.
I am concerned about the diplomatic steps being taken to help ensure that humanitarian organisations have access to Gaza. What specific measures are in place?
I talk to Martin Griffiths, the head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, almost every day, and on Friday I attended a meeting with development Ministers convened by Samantha Power, the head of the United States Agency for International Development.
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Q2
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Concerns about the deliberate targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure.
How are Foreign Secretary and his Ministers working with international counterparts to prevent any deliberate targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure?
By drawing all parties' attention to the international rules of war.
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No specific actions or commitments were provided.
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Q3
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Children are writing their names on their hands to be identified after death, and over 2000 have been killed.
Children in Gaza have begun writing their names on their hands so that they can be identified and buried with their families when they are killed. What action is being taken to prevent more children from being harmed?
The Prime Minister set out yesterday very clearly what our policy is. We are doing everything we can to protect children.
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No specific measures were detailed.
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Q4
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Trucks at the Rafah crossing are welcome but insufficient to avert humanitarian catastrophe.
Why is fuel not being allowed through Rafah crossing despite urgent need for desalination plants, generators, and other critical infrastructure?
The hon. Lady is entirely right that the Rafah crossing is currently the only way we can get food and relief supplies in.
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No reasons provided for fuel restrictions.
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Q5
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The level of civilian suffering and calls for a ceasefire are increasing due to ongoing conflict.
What level of civilian suffering will it take before the Government backs calls for a ceasefire?
The hon. Gentleman sets out the tremendous suffering that is happening, but he, like me, will agree with the Prime Minister that the source of this was the appalling terrorist, murderous action by Hamas.
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Blaming Hamas For The Conflict
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Q6
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UN estimates that about 160 women give birth daily in Gaza, with lives of at least 120 newborns in incubators at risk.
Will the Secretary of State listen to calls for a ceasefire to ensure delivery of aid and release of hostages?
On delivering aid and support, I had the opportunity to meet a very large number of the British charities and non-governmental organisations that are trying to help in Gaza.
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Q7
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UN experts have warned that Israeli military strategy could lead to ethnic cleansing of Palestinians.
Can the Minister tell us more on what the Government are doing to support independent investigations and the International Criminal Court?
The answer to the hon. Lady's perfectly proper question is that international and legal organisations all around the world will be looking at this and giving their opinions.
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Q8
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Concern about Hamas diverting and misusing aid for terrorist purposes.
What steps can we take to ensure that much-needed aid gets to the people in need rather than being diverted by Hamas?
My hon. Friend is quite right to warn about the proper use of aid. I can tell her that this is probably the most scrutinised programme of humanitarian relief and support that Britain has.
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Q9
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UNRWA has documented instances where Hamas compromised operations by diverting or misusing aid.
What assurances can my right hon. Friend give that aid will be targeted correctly and reach those who need it?
My right hon. Friend is right that UNRWA operates in difficult circumstances, but I can tell him that we talk to it all the time about the proper use of these resources and we will do everything we can always to make sure that they go to the intended place.
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Q10
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The UN has stated that at least 100 trucks of aid are needed daily in Gaza, but the current number is inadequate.
My constituents in Hyndburn and Haslingden and I thank the Foreign Secretary for all the work he is doing to ensure that aid is getting to Gaza. We know that the UN has stated it needs at least 100 trucks a day to take the aid to those who desperately need it. Can my right hon. Friend set out what conversations he is having with his Israeli and Egyptian counterparts to make sure that this aid gets where it needs to be?
Foreign Office officials, the Foreign Secretary and others are talking to all the relevant authorities in Egypt and Israel. The key thing is to increase the number of lorries that are getting through Rafah. My hon. Friend will understand that the current number is wholly inadequate. I talk to Martin Griffiths virtually every day about the operations that the UN is conducting to try to beef up that number.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify concrete actions or timelines with Israeli and Egyptian authorities beyond general statements of ongoing discussions.
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Q11
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The Prime Minister promised to challenge actions that undercut legitimate aspirations for Palestinian statehood, but concerns remain about the impact of Jewish settlers on a two-state solution.
Yesterday, the Prime Minister said we would finally challenge actions that undercut legitimate aspirations for Palestinian statehood. There are none more fundamental than 57 years of breaches of the fourth Geneva convention by the illegal occupation of territories and 750,000 Jewish settlers being placed in those territories making a two-state solution very difficult. Are we actually now going to do something about that? Is my right hon. Friend concerned that a meaningful resolution could include transferring Gaza out of Israel's hands into another state system, potentially leading to the expulsion of Palestinians from the West Bank?
My hon. Friend has a long-standing and principled view on these matters. I do not share his view and nor do the Government. Nor do I think that the latter part of his question and the specific points he made are likely to come about.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address whether action would be taken or if there were concerns regarding potential transfers or expulsions.
Did Not Share View
Views Unlikely To Come About
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Q12
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Incubators have been switched off, children are drinking dirty water, and several hospitals have been hit or warned to evacuate. Fresh water and power are urgently needed.
May I take this opportunity to thank the Minister of State for Development and Africa for the constructive cross-party way we have worked together since I was appointed in such grim times? Incubators have been switched off, children are drinking dirty water, fresh water and power are the most pressing issues. Despite shared hopes for progress, fuel was not permitted in convoys entering Gaza while several hospitals were hit or given warnings to evacuate. Can he share what the Government is doing to help broker an agreement protecting hospitals and getting fuel into Gaza so international law is upheld?
First, I welcome the hon. Lady to her new position. It is one of the best jobs in opposition and government. We are having humanitarian discussions with everyone intent on getting humanitarian supplies to those who need them. Attacking a hospital is a war crime; we should be clear about that.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific actions or plans for protecting hospitals and ensuring fuel delivery, instead focusing on general principles.
Welcomed To Position
General Statements
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