Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Gaza: Civilian Deaths and Humanitarian Situation

Tuesday 12 December 2023 · 10 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Britain has increased aid to Palestinian civilians to 60 million and delivered over 74 tonnes of aid.
  • The UK is preparing 82 tonnes of humanitarian supplies in Cyprus and 5 tonnes of medical equipment for potential delivery to Gaza.
  • The UK is working with UN Security Council members and allies for a political solution to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Layla Moran Lib Dem Oxford West and Abingdon
Foreign Affairs
Context

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues with high casualties, including many civilians. The UK has increased aid to Palestinians.

Question

What assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the humanitarian situation in Gaza?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

Britain has increased planned assistance to Palestinian civilians to £60 million, and has delivered over 74 tonnes of aid. The recent pauses in fighting were a welcome opportunity to get hostages out and aid in.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about policy implications was not addressed directly.

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Q2 Andrew Slaughter Lab Hammersmith and Chiswick
Crime & Law Enforcement Community Security
Context

A respected Israeli newspaper reported a high proportion of civilian deaths in Gaza, questioning Israel's compliance with international law. The death toll is approaching 20,000.

Question

Did the Minister see the analysis recently published in Haaretz that the proportion of civilian deaths in Gaza is significantly higher than the average during the 20th century? Does this give a lie to any claim that Israel is avoiding civilian deaths?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

The hon. Gentleman will know the importance of saving civilian lives and Britain's clear stance on adherence to international humanitarian law. He mentioned unprecedented attacks by terrorists on 7 October, a pogrom in which more Jewish people were murdered than at any time since 1945.

Not addressed: The question was about civilian deaths but the response shifted focus to terrorist attacks and holocaust context.

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Q3 Andrew Jones Con
NHS
Context

The UK has increased its humanitarian aid by £60 million since the conflict began.

Question

Can my right hon. Friend outline how his Department is working to ensure that funding reaches those in most urgent need?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

My hon. Friend, 82 tonnes of humanitarian supplies are ready in Cyprus and 5 tonnes of medical equipment are also ready. As soon as there is a possibility of more aid getting into Gaza, these supplies will be used.

Answered
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Q4 Imran Hussain Lab Bradford East
Foreign Affairs
Context

Over the past year, there has been a rise in attacks by violent, illegal Israeli settlers against Palestinians. The US announced visa bans on such settlers.

Question

How much more bloodshed do we need to see before the Government stop planning and start acting? Will the Minister take real action today?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

I made clear that the Government condemn without qualification attacks by settlers on Palestinians. The hon. Gentleman asks specifically about visa bans; while I cannot comment here, our plans are moving forward.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask for immediate action was not directly addressed.

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Q5 Emma Lewell Lab South Shields
Foreign Affairs
Context

A stop-start approach prolongs hostage captivity and increases civilian casualties. The UN Security Council is discussing resolutions.

Question

If the UN Security Council resolution returns with a condemnation of Hamas, will the UK do the right thing this time and back an immediate humanitarian ceasefire?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

Both the Government and Opposition believe that a ceasefire is not the right way to proceed. However, we are heavily engaged in Security Council resolutions.

Not addressed: The question about supporting a humanitarian ceasefire was deflected by discussing ongoing engagement in Security Council resolutions.

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Q6 Jeff Smith Lab Manchester Withington
Foreign Affairs
Context

The US Secretary of Defense stated that protecting Palestinian civilians is both a moral responsibility and strategic imperative.

Question

Does the Minister agree with the US Secretary for Defence when he says that protecting Palestinian civilians in Gaza is both a moral responsibility and a strategic imperative?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

The position of the American Defense Secretary is exactly the position of the British Government, and we say at all points that everyone must adhere to international humanitarian law.

Answered
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Q7 Neil O'Brien Con Harborough, Oadby and Wigston
Foreign Affairs
Context

The House is appalled by atrocities committed by Hamas but also concerned about civilian suffering.

Question

Will my right hon. Friend set out the steps he is taking to relieve civilian suffering, and what steps are being taken against illegal settlements?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

We have delivered 74 tonnes of aid to el-Arish and 100 trucks with 120,600 litres of fuel crossed into Rafah yesterday. However, it is not enough progress yet.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about steps against illegal settlements was not addressed directly.

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Q8 Layla Moran Lib Dem Oxford West and Abingdon
Community Security Foreign Affairs
Context

Israel has detained thousands of Palestinians, with reports suggesting many are connected to Hamas but most are not.

Question

Are this Government making representations to the Israeli Government about their treatment of Palestinian detainees?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

We emphasise to everyone the importance of abiding by international humanitarian law and the Geneva convention, which was referred to.

Not addressed: The specific ask about making representations was not addressed.

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Q9 Mark Pritchard Con The Wrekin
Foreign Affairs
Context

Discussions about the need for humanitarian pauses in Gaza and concerns over the proportionality of Israel's military actions.

Question

Every life lost, whether Palestinian or Israeli, is a tragedy. In conflict, children suffer most. What discussions has my right hon Friend had with the US and other partners on new humanitarian pauses? Is the Israeli response proportionate?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

We are arguing for five-day humanitarian pauses to allow relief supplies into Gaza. On proportionality, we emphasise adherence to rules of war.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not provide specific details on discussions with the US and other partners regarding new humanitarian pauses.

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Q10 Lyn Brown Lab
NHS Foreign Affairs
Context

A significant humanitarian crisis in Gaza where almost 80% of the population have been displaced, there is sewage flowing in streets posing health risks, hospitals and ambulances are being hit, and half the population faces starvation. Over 18,000 Palestinians killed including a high number of children.

Question

In Gaza, nearly 80% of people are homeless with nowhere safe to go, sewage is in streets, hospitals and ambulances are hit, half the population starves, over 18,000 killed including many children. Recognising efforts by Ministers, what strategy does the Minister have to end this humanitarian crisis?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

Britain is using its diplomatic network to work with UN Security Council members and allies for a political solution. An additional £30 million was announced by the Foreign Secretary to assist medical issues, particularly for children.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer lacks specific details on how this funding will be used effectively to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

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