Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Rafah: Military Offensive

Tuesday 30 April 2024 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government is deeply concerned about the potential military offensive in Rafah.
  • Immediate humanitarian pause is needed to address the crisis and protect civilians.
  • British and American Governments have been collaborating to prevent the described scenario.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 George Galloway
Foreign Affairs
Context

A potential military offensive in Rafah is under consideration, which could severely affect the humanitarian situation in the area.

Question

If the Government will make an assessment of the potential impact of a military offensive in Rafah on the humanitarian situation in that area.

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

We are deeply concerned about the prospect of a military offensive in Rafah. We need an immediate humanitarian pause to get aid in and hostages out, then progress towards a permanent, sustainable ceasefire.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific assessment requested was not provided; instead, a general statement of concern was given.

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Q2 George Galloway
Ukraine Foreign Affairs
Context

The potential for a major humanitarian crisis is imminent as 1.6 million civilians, mostly women and children, are at risk within 72 hours of a full-scale invasion.

Question

We are hours away from a bloodbath that will make Falluja pale into insignificance—it will be the worst bloodbath seen in the world since the second world war. Some 1.6 million people, most of them women and children, are 72 hours away from a full-scale invasion. The Minister keeps saying that we are going to press Israel; what are the Government going to do about it if it happens?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

Given the number of civilians sheltering in Rafah, it is not easy to see how such an offensive could be compliant with international humanitarian law in the current circumstances. The British and American Governments have been working in lockstep to prevent the situation described.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific actions requested were not detailed; instead, a general statement about ongoing efforts was provided.

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Q3 Mark Logan
Foreign Affairs
Context

The term 'sustainable calm' is being used but the fighting continues, and Palestinian President Abbas has called for a warning from the United States to Israel.

Question

'Sustainable calm' is the latest buzzword, but the fighting simply has to stop. In the past two days, Palestinian President Abbas has said that in order for there to be sustainable calm or a ceasefire, the United States must give a warning to Israel. What warnings have the UK Government given to Israel when it comes to a possible ground invasion in Rafah?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

I refer my hon. Friend to the comments I made earlier. The British and American Governments have been working in lockstep to prevent the situation he has described.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific warnings requested were not detailed; instead, a general statement about joint efforts with the US was provided.

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