Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Palestinians in Gaza: US Policy

Tuesday 25 February 2025 · 5 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 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Foreign Secretary opposes forced displacement of Palestinians and reduction of Gaza territory.
  • Government restarted funding to UNRWA after contacting Damari family and UNRWA initiated investigation.
  • Foreign Secretary condemned recent expansion and violence, met UN official to discuss humanitarian work.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Neil Duncan-Jordan Lab Poole
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP referenced President Trump's recent comments suggesting the forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza to neighbouring Arab states, which are seen as a violation of Palestinian rights.

Question

President Trump’s recent comments calling for Palestinians to be expelled from their homes in Gaza and his failure to rule out Israeli annexation of the West Bank constitute the most explicit denial of the Palestinian people's right to self-determination by any US Administration. Will the Foreign Secretary condemn President Trump's remarks and set out what action the UK Government are taking to prevent further forced displacement?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr David Lammy)

We do not support forced displacement of Palestinians or any reduction in the territory of the Gaza strip. Palestinians must be able to live and prosper in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. That is why it is essential that we work together to ensure that all aspects of the ceasefire are implemented and that it becomes permanent.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address condemnation of President Trump’s remarks or specify UK actions to prevent forced displacement.

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Q2 Richard Holden Con Basildon and Billericay
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP raised concerns about Emily Damari’s testimony of being held hostage at a UNRWA facility during the conflict and alleged involvement of Hamas members within UNRWA.

Question

Given Emily Damari’s personal testimony that she was held at United Nations Relief and Works Agency facilities in Gaza during the conflict, does the Foreign Secretary stand by the Government’s decision to restart sending UK taxpayers’ money to UNRWA when Hamas terrorists were holding British hostages at its facilities?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr David Lammy)

We have been in touch with the Damari family and UNRWA has instigated an investigation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address support for continuing funding to UNRWA given hostage concerns or alleged ties between staff and Hamas members.

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Q3 Andy Slaughter Lab Hammersmith and Chiswick
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP raised concerns about Israeli forces displacing Palestinian communities using tactics similar to those used in Gaza.

Question

The Israeli forces are now using the same tactics in the west bank as they used in Gaza: the forced displacement of communities and the use of heavy weapons against civilians. What is the Government’s response, both to Israel and to the UN?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr David Lammy)

I condemn the expansion and violence seen over the last period. I reject calls for annexation of the West Bank. I met Tom Fletcher from the UN to discuss these issues and renewed our commitment to humanitarian work.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify actions being taken by the UK in response to forced displacement or violence against civilians.

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Q4 Shockat Adam Ind Leicester South
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP criticized the UK government for refusing to condemn Israeli actions as war crimes and rejecting calls for sanctions against Israel.

Question

Will the Foreign Secretary, who has refused to call out the Israeli Government for war crimes, refuse to ban all arms sales, acknowledge that a genocide is happening, or even consider economic sanctions, accept the reality of the situation and the proposal by Trump and Netanyahu for ethnic cleansing in Gaza?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr David Lammy)

We are focused on implementing a ceasefire that holds through to phase 2. Discussions have been ongoing with Arab leaders regarding the future governance of Gaza.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address acceptance of war crimes or consider sanctions against Israel and US policies promoting ethnic cleansing.

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Q5 Priti Patel Con Witham
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP expressed concern over the violence inflicted by Hamas and requested an update on UK efforts to end Hamas' control of Gaza.

Question

Can the Foreign Secretary provide an update on the actions he has undertaken to put an end to Hamas control and ensure we get to the third phase of the ceasefire?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr David Lammy)

I discussed this issue with Ron Dermer from Israel last week. In discussions with Arab leaders, we agreed that a future for Gaza without Hamas control is necessary.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify actions taken beyond discussing the matter with Israeli and Arab officials.

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