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Occupied Palestinian Territories: Humanitarian Situation — [Sir Roger Gale in the Chair]
19 November 2024
Lead MP
Patricia Ferguson
Glasgow West
Lab
Responding Minister
Anneliese Dodds
Tags
Foreign Affairs
Word Count: 13186
Other Contributors: 26
At a Glance
Patricia Ferguson raised concerns about occupied palestinian territories: humanitarian situation — [sir roger gale in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Ferguson asks for more action beyond talk, hoping the UK will vote to support a ceasefire when it comes before the UN Security Council. She also requests that the sale of arms to Israel be reviewed at the right time and sanctions against Smotrich and Ben-Gvir be introduced.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Ms Patricia Ferguson is concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, highlighting that over 1,200 people were killed during Hamas attacks on Israel and over 43,000 have died as a result of Israel's retaliatory actions. She notes the Lancet's report suggesting a death toll closer to 186,000, with 72% being women and children. The presentation by Professor Nizam Mamode, who has worked in numerous war zones including Gaza, showed wounds that were likely caused by drones targeting innocent civilians, including children. Ferguson also mentioned the disruption of aid convoys due to the Knesset decision and the ban on UNRWA from working in Israel and occupied east Jerusalem.
Alex Ballinger
Lab
Halesowen
The death and destruction in Gaza has been horrendous. Nearly 90% of the population has been forced to leave their homes, and Israel's conduct over the past 13 months has been massively disproportionate and unacceptable under international humanitarian law. The blocking of essential humanitarian aid and the targeting of protected facilities such as schools and hospitals are ongoing issues.
Brian Leishman
Lab
Alloa and Grangemouth
The humanitarian situation in Palestine needs to be understood through the lens of historical displacement, with half a million Palestinians expelled from their homes during the Nakba in 1948. Continuous ethnic cleansing has led to the current crisis, including restrictions on aid such as water and food, highlighting the ongoing suffering of the Palestinian people.
Calum Miller
Lib Dem
Bicester and Woodstock
Miller expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, noting that more than a year since Hamas's attacks, tens of thousands have died or been displaced. He called for an immediate bilateral ceasefire to address the situation and bring hostages home, urging the Government to exert influence on conflicting parties. Miller raised questions about breaches of international law regarding civilian targeting and displacement orders. He also asked for updates on the UK's assessment of its obligation to prevent atrocities and efforts to ensure safe delivery of humanitarian aid in Gaza.
Caroline Voaden
Lib Dem
South Devon
The suspension of arms licences to Israel is not enough given violations of humanitarian principles and law. A total suspension of arms supplies may be necessary.
Dawn Butler
Lab
Brent East
The crisis requires immediate action, especially considering reports of aid being bombed in schools and leaving no assistance behind.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Similar atrocities reported by Médecins Sans Frontières should not go unaddressed. The UK Government must respond to the Knesset's move against UNRWA.
Frank McNally
Lab
Coatbridge and Bellshill
The situation in Gaza is beyond desperate, with the Israeli response being vast and ruthless. More than 43,000 people have died in occupied Gaza since October 2023, and nearly 72% of those killed are women and children. The healthcare system is set to collapse imminently, and UNRWA aid has been legislated against by the Knesset.
Harpreet Uppal
Lab
Huddersfield
Uppal supported McDonnell's comments, highlighting that over 16,000 children have been killed in Gaza and 171 deaths in the West Bank this year, urging the Government to do more to meet international humanitarian law obligations.
Imran Hussain
Lab
Bradford East
Despite multiple resolutions and rulings, action is required now starting with immediate sanctions due to ongoing inaction by relevant bodies.
Iqbal Mohamed
Ind
Dewsbury and Batley
The humanitarian situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories is dire, with Palestinians being bombed, murdered, and displaced daily. The Government's record has been abysmal, from legitimising Israel's siege on the population to refusing meaningful sanctions against arms sales and illegal settlements.
Jas Athwal
Lab
Ilford South
The humanitarian crisis has resulted in over 40,000 Palestinians killed, including 16,000 children. The Knesset's restriction on UNWRA aid and basic necessities is intolerable. An immediate ceasefire, release of hostages, protection for civilians, and unfettered access to aid are necessary steps towards a two-state solution.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
He expressed support for Israel while also highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, noting that Palestinian people are suffering from a lack of basic necessities due to infrastructure destruction and blockade. He called for mutual recognition of rights between Palestinians and Israelis, including Palestine acknowledging Israel's right to exist.
Hayes and Harlington
McDonnell raised three points: the need for a scheme to bring injured children from Gaza and the West Bank for treatment, urging the Government to intervene in allowing a fire and rescue vehicle provided by the Fire Brigades Union to be delivered, and advocating for the UK to lead on the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement due to the changing global political landscape.
Kim Johnson
Lab
Liverpool Riverside
Human Rights Watch's report highlights 1.9 million Palestinians forcibly displaced; the International Criminal Court should consider imposing targeted sanctions immediately alongside humanitarian aid.
Kirsteen Sullivan
Lab Co-op
Bathgate and Linlithgow
The horrors faced by Palestinians without medical basics cannot continue. There must be safe routes for medical provisions to enter Gaza and long-term support for physical and mental health.
Melanie Ward
Lab
Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy
There is increasing evidence that what is happening in Gaza may be understood as crimes of historic magnitude. The Government must take actions equal to the gravity of the moment, including ensuring accountability for those responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Paul Waugh
Lab Co-op
Rochdale
Waugh shared the story of Mohammed, a baby injured by Israeli missiles shortly after birth in Gaza, and cited UN figures showing that nearly 70% of verified deaths were children. He questioned whether the UK is fulfilling its obligations under international law regarding trade and arms links with Israel.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
Israel is using starvation as a weapon of war, which aligns with genocide. Tough sanctions on arms, trade, and individuals are necessary until Israel stops violating international law.
Stella Creasy
Lab Co-op
Walthamstow
The UK should use its full diplomatic powers to express concerns against extremist language that does not help the people of Gaza and will not end this crisis.
Tan Dhesi
Lab
Slough
The intolerable humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the west bank requires an immediate ceasefire and a surge of aid. Reports of Israeli troops' actions in northern Gaza are deplorable, and the international community must call out the Netanyahu regime.
Tony Vaughan
Lab
Folkestone and Hythe
Mr Vaughan raised concerns about the UK's response to the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion, questioning whether the UK should have an obligation to ensure compliance by Israel with international humanitarian law. He urged the Government to publish their response to the ICJ's advisory opinion as soon as possible and adopt a more rigorous interpretation of their obligations.
Tracy Gilbert
Lab
Edinburgh North and Leith
The situation in Gaza has worsened since the International Development Committee last heard from Palestinian Red Crescent. Human Rights Watch reported that nowhere is safe for Palestinians, with 96% of Gaza's population relying on food aid and nine out of ten children not receiving necessary nutrition. Gilbert urged the UK Government to take action to ensure more aid enters Gaza, especially as winter approaches.
Wendy Morton
Con
Aldridge-Brownhills
Ms Morton called for the release of hostages held by Hamas and criticised Hamas's use of civilians as human shields. She also asked for updates on recent contributions to securing hostage releases, aid access, and discussions with Israel regarding aid delivery routes. Additionally, she inquired about alternative aid delivery methods, evolving aid offerings based on humanitarian need, safe distribution of aid, and the progress of UNRWA reforms.
Yuan Yang
Lab
Earley and Woodley
He discussed the challenges faced by journalists in Gaza and highlighted the need for international leadership to address the humanitarian crisis. He also raised concerns about the blockage on UNRWA aid and asked the Government how they plan to vote on a UN Security Council resolution regarding a ceasefire.
Zarah Sultana
Your Party
Coventry South
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is a deliberate human catastrophe and genocide. Over 400,000 Palestinians are trapped under Israeli bombardment with essential aid blocked since October. Hospitals, schools, and refugee camps have been destroyed, leading to a health system collapse and the return of diseases like polio. The UK has continued to export F-35 parts despite risks of violations of international humanitarian law. Ms Sultana requested an intervention but no content was provided beyond this brief request.
Zubir Ahmed
Lab
Glasgow South West
The right to basic necessities like surgical swabs and vaccines is a fundamental human right for Palestinians. The UK should use its influence to encourage Israel to address threats to peace in the region and ensure that critical aid reaches those in need.
Government Response
Anneliese Dodds
Government Response
The UK is deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and has been working with other countries to identify new entry points for aid. The Government announced the decision to suspend certain licences for UK exports to Israel on items that could be used in the conflict, given the risk of serious violations of international humanitarian law. There must be no forced movement of people within or outside Gaza, and civilians must be protected from attacks. Winter conditions are worsening, and the flow of aid has reached its lowest since the conflict began. The UK Government are pushing for a ceasefire, hostage release, and scaling up aid through the UN Security Council.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.