Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Middle East: UN Security Council

Tuesday 30 April 2024 · 7 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

  • The UK played a leading role in securing the passage of Security Council resolutions 2728 and 2720.
  • The UK is waiting for the report of the Office of Internal Oversight Services to determine how best to get aid into Gaza.
  • The UK Government agree with the ICJ's call for hostage release, more aid into Gaza, and for Israel not to violate Palestinian rights.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Stephen Hammond Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

The UK played a leading role in securing UN Security Council resolutions to support progress towards a sustainable peace in the Middle East.

Question

What recent steps has the government taken through the UN Security Council to support progress towards a sustainable peace in the middle east?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

The UK played a leading role in securing the passage of Security Council resolutions 2728 and 2720, which set out the urgent demand for expanded humanitarian access.

Answered
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Q2 Stephen Hammond Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

The UK is concerned about the Hamas terrorist group affecting the supply of aid to Palestinian citizens.

Question

What steps are being taken by the UK Government to ensure full funding of UNRWA and prevent Hamas from interfering with aid supplies?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

The UK is waiting for the report of the Office of Internal Oversight Services, which we expect soon. Once received, conclusions will be drawn on how best to get aid into Gaza. The Government are doing everything possible to ensure that aid gets in.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps and timeline for ensuring UNRWA funding were not provided

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Q3 Imran Hussain Lab Bradford East
Foreign Affairs
Context

The International Court of Justice warned of genocide in Gaza, yet the Israeli military continues to block aid and undermine court legitimacy.

Question

What does blatantly disregarding international courts and violating UN ceasefire resolutions mean for the rules-based order upheld by the UK?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

The Government agree with the ICJ's call for hostage release, more aid into Gaza and Israel not violating Palestinian rights. The statements made by the hon. Gentleman were not accurate regarding the court's position.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific implications of disregarding international laws on UK rules-based order were not addressed

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Q4 Julian Lewis Con New Forest East
Ukraine Foreign Affairs
Context

The Deputy Foreign Secretary was asked about the possibility of inserting British troops into Gaza and its impact on Ukraine.

Question

Will the insertion of British troops in Gaza play into hands of those opposing Ukraine's fight against Russia, and why is there no mention of Ukraine in today's Order Paper?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

The Government are committed to helping Ukraine and have increased defence spending. The Order Paper does not reflect current priorities, but the UK's ambition is clear regarding supporting Ukraine.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific message on troops insertion in Gaza was avoided

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Q5 Tommy Sheppard SNP
Foreign Affairs
Context

The UK is concerned about the creation of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, given Israel's position under Netanyahu.

Question

What will the UK do to oblige Israel to comply with international peace process for two-state solution?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

A two-state solution is required, as recognised by the UN and regional powers. The UK's view aligns with this requirement for both Palestine and Israel to live behind secure borders in peace.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions or timeline were not provided

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Q6 David Lammy Lab Tottenham
Foreign Affairs
Context

A ceasefire is needed to end the war in Gaza, where more than 30,000 Palestinians are dead.

Question

Does the Minister agree that Hamas should accept a new offer on table for immediate ceasefire?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

The right hon. Gentleman makes a very good point, and although negotiations are fluid at the moment, he is correct that Hamas should accept the deal on the table.

Answered
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Q7 Brendan O'Hara SNP Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
Foreign Affairs
Context

The Minister was asked about the delay in making a decision on UNRWA's funding despite assurances to do so when receiving Catherine Colonna's report.

Question

When will this Government make a decision on UNRWA's funding, after sitting on interim reports for 10 days?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

The UK is waiting for two reports and will consider them carefully before making a decision, which will be communicated back to the House.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timeline was not provided

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