Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Israel and Palestine

Tuesday 24 October 2023 · 15 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 10 Not answered 0

Key points

  • UK Minister for Middle East issues met extensively with counterparts from nearly 20 countries to prevent escalation and sustain peace prospects.
  • UK Government ensures that no British aid money goes directly to the Palestinian Authority and raises concerns regarding misappropriation of funds.
  • UK Foreign Secretary emphasizes the UK's commitment to protecting British nationals and securing the release of hostages held by Hamas.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 James Sunderland
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP inquires about actions taken by his department in response to the Gaza and Israel conflict.

Question

What steps are being taken with international partners in the Middle East in response to the situation in Gaza and Israel?

Answer from James Cleverly

Since Hamas's brutal terror attacks on 7 October, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and I have visited the region and have spoken and met extensively with counterparts totalling almost 20 countries, as part of our extensive diplomatic efforts to prevent escalation, to sustain the prospect of regional peace and to secure the free movement home of British nationals in Gaza and the release of hostages.

Answered
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Q2 Chris Clarkson
Asylum & Refugees Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP raises concerns about reports of payments made by the Palestinian Authority to families of dead and captured Hamas terrorists.

Question

Will my right hon. Friend condemn these payments to rapists, torturers and murderers? Will he use his good offices to ensure that no British aid money has gone towards this filthy practice?

Answer from James Cleverly

I can reassure my hon. Friend that we always ensure that UK aid money is protected from misappropriation. I can confirm to him and the House that no British aid money goes directly to the Palestinian Authority. We have raised this issue with the Palestinian Authority and highlighted our belief that it is not conducive to good relations and a future two-state solution.

Answered
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Q3 Desmond Swayne Con New Forest West
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP inquires about the current status and feasibility of a two-state solution amid Israeli settlement expansion.

Question

What are the prospects for a two-state solution given the pace of Israeli settlements on the West Bank?

Answer from James Cleverly

The Government's long-standing position is that we oppose settlement expansion, for the reasons I have highlighted extensively in the conversations that I have had with the Israeli Government and the leadership of countries in the region. Despite the terrible circumstances we are experiencing, there is a renewed desire for a meaningful resolution that means that the terrible images that we saw on 7 October will never be repeated.

Answered
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Q4 Marsha de Cordova Lab Battersea
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP highlights concerns from constituents about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and asks for clarity on Israel's actions under international law.

Question

With over 1,700 children killed in Gaza and a severe humanitarian crisis unfolding, will the Foreign Secretary provide clarity on when it is legal for Israel to cut off water, fuel, food and electricity?

Answer from James Cleverly

There is always much debate in this House about the interpretation of international humanitarian law. I have raised directly with my Israeli counterparts the need, in whatever actions they take to secure their protection, defend Israeli citizens and secure the release of hostages, for them to act in accordance with international law. I have received assurances from the Israeli President to that effect.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific legal conditions under which Israel's actions are considered lawful were not provided.

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Q5 Steven Bonnar
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP questions the effectiveness of Israeli precautions to avoid civilian casualties, with over 4,650 Palestinians killed.

Question

Beyond repeating promises about protecting civilians, what meaningful action is being taken by the Foreign Secretary's Department to ensure that innocent Palestinians are kept safe?

Answer from James Cleverly

I am on record mourning the Palestinian lives that have been lost in this conflict, just as we mourn, and I mourn, the loss of Israeli lives in this terrible situation. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the UK Government take the loss of life, from whichever community, incredibly seriously.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific actions were detailed beyond acknowledging the seriousness of civilian casualties.

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Q6 Karl McCartney Con
Community Security
Context

The MP expresses support for Israel's right to defend itself and seeks information on efforts to secure the release of hostages.

Question

What steps is my right hon. Friend taking to support Israel in securing the release of over 200 captives, including British citizens?

Answer from James Cleverly

My hon. Friend reminds the House that the Government remain focused on the protection of British nationals in Israel, the West Bank and, of course, Gaza. It would be inappropriate for me to go into detail, but I can assure him and the House that we speak with all parties who we believe could have influence on those holding hostages: Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and others.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps taken were not detailed; instead, a general commitment was given.

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Q7 James Sunderland
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP calls for the UK to prioritize expanding the Abraham Accords as a means of fostering peace.

Question

Will the Foreign Secretary commit to expanding the Abraham accords, which could bring strategic partners to the table and offer a future peace between Israel and Palestine?

Answer from James Cleverly

I have said regularly how much I value the Abraham accords. The improving of relationships between Israel and the Arab nations in its near neighbourhood is an extremely positive step. There is a realistic belief that part of the aim of the attack of 7 October was to derail future normalisation and negotiations.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific commitment to expanding the Abraham Accords was provided.

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Q8 Sarah Champion Lab Rotherham
Asylum & Refugees
Context

Constituents are concerned about the welfare of internally displaced Palestinians in Gaza. Since October 7th, nearly 600,000 individuals have been sheltering in UN facilities, with staff killed and installations damaged.

Question

I am inundated with emails from constituents terrified for the future of internally displaced Palestinians in Gaza. With nearly 600,000 people sheltering in UN facilities since October 7th, and many staff and installations affected, when the ground invasion starts, where will these people go? Who will host them, administer them, and provide support?

Answer from James Cleverly

All conversations with Israel, Egypt, and intermediaries have focused on preserving human life. We completely support Israel's right to self-defence against Hamas's brutal actions, including the retrieval of video evidence showing atrocities committed by Hamas.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about long-term objectives was not addressed.

How: Supporting Israel'S Right To Defend Itself

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Q9 Imran Hussain Lab Bradford East
Foreign Affairs
Context

Indiscriminate airstrikes and a siege have resulted in thousands of deaths among innocent Palestinians, including over 1000 children. The situation is described as a humanitarian catastrophe.

Question

Since last week, indiscriminate strikes and sieges continue to kill thousands of innocent Palestinians. How many more must be killed before the government condemns the brutality and bloodshed in Gaza?

Answer from James Cleverly

We support Israel's right to defend itself against rocket attacks, even if it means civilian deaths. We have grieved for Palestinian lives but must not forget Hamas's actions, including targeting Jews.

Not addressed: The specific ask about condemning violence was avoided by focusing on Israel's right to self-defence.

How: Defending Israel'S Actions, Mentioning Hamas Attacks

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Q10 Jake Berry Con
Immigration Foreign Affairs
Context

Hamas has been taking hostages, and there are British citizens among them. One suggestion is to appoint a prime ministerial envoy for hostage negotiations.

Question

With state-sponsored terrorism involving hostage-taking, should the government appoint a special envoy with diplomatic immunity to negotiate the release of British hostages in Gaza?

Answer from James Cleverly

The suggestion is noted as important. Our diplomats are often best placed for negotiations, but the proposal will be taken seriously.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No commitment was made to appoint a special envoy.

How: Noting Importance, Mentioning Current Diplomatic Efforts

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Q11 Rachel Hopkins Lab Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Foreign Affairs
Context

Emails from constituents express concern over the humanitarian situation, urging support for UN agencies like UNRWA to provide long-term resources and ensure fuel access.

Question

How can international partners be involved in providing long-term resources to UNRWA and ensuring fuel supply into Gaza, as Labour suggests?

Answer from James Cleverly

The Prime Minister and Development Minister have extensive talks on humanitarian aid. An additional £30 million was announced, making Britain one of the most generous contributors.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No mention of working with international partners for long-term resources or fuel supply.

How: Mentioning Current Discussions, Announcing New Aid

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Q12 David Lammy Lab Tottenham
Context

The urgency of quiet diplomacy is highlighted, referencing George Mitchell's quote about the need for timely success. Reports suggest possible hostage release discussions have stalled.

Question

With reports of potential hostage releases stalling, can you update on progress to secure the release of all 200 hostages held by Hamas?

Answer from James Cleverly

The Prime Minister and other leaders remain focused on bilateral conversations with regional leaders to secure hostage releases.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific timeline or concrete actions were provided.

How: Mentioning Ongoing Focus, Noting Diplomatic Efforts

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Q13 David Lammy Lab Tottenham
Foreign Affairs
Context

The situation in Gaza is causing significant distress. The question addresses the need for Israel to adhere to international laws during military operations.

Question

Does the Foreign Secretary agree that Israel must follow the laws of war by taking every possible step to protect civilians, ensuring aid is rapid and safe, lifting blocks on essential supplies like water and medicines, and preventing permanent displacement? Does he also agree this is necessary for long-term peace?

Answer from James Cleverly

The preservation of civilian life remains a priority, and we discuss with Israel regularly to ensure they abide by international law. The goal is to prevent this from becoming a regional conflict through professionalism and restraint.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly confirm agreement on all points about protecting civilians and upholding laws of war

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Q14 Brendan O'Hara SNP Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
Foreign Affairs
Context

There are concerns about potential breaches of international humanitarian law by Israel in its response to Hamas attacks.

Question

Has the Secretary of State seen or been made aware of any evidence that Israel has breached international humanitarian law in its actions since 7 October?

Answer from James Cleverly

It is not my role to assess the interpretation of events. However, we are trying to ensure that Israel abides by international law in its actions for legitimate self-defence.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly answer whether there has been any evidence found or seen regarding breaches of humanitarian laws

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Q15 Brendan O'Hara SNP Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
Foreign Affairs
Context

There are concerns that UK may be overlooking or ignoring evidence of breaches of international humanitarian laws by Israel.

Question

If it is not the Foreign Secretary's responsibility to assess, who does this? Is he unaware of forced displacements and cuts to essential supplies, or is he saying these facts do not apply under international law?

Answer from James Cleverly

The hon. Gentleman's interpretation of the situation does not necessarily reflect my view; I do not agree that the UK Government has decided international humanitarian law does not apply.

Not addressed: Did not address who is responsible for assessment or whether breaches have been acknowledged

How: Undermining Questioner'S Definition Of Events

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