Israel and Palestine

Mr Khan expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence, illegal occupation and human rights abuses in Palestine. He highlighted that 138 out of 193 UN member states have recognised Palestine as a state, while the UK has not. Mr Khan urged the Government to openly condemn Israeli actions such as illegal annexations and evictions and to take tangible steps towards peace and accountability.

He thanked the Petitions Committee for allowing the debate but noted that a meaningful analysis of the issues in three minutes is challenging. Alistair supported Tommy Sheppard's view on the 'one-state reality' and stressed that the only solution is a two-state solution. He called for Britain to recognise Palestine as a state and condemned the settlement-building programme on the West Bank, stating it makes a two-state solution less likely.

The SNP supports recognising Palestine as a state and promoting international law, considering it human-centred, feminist, egalitarian, ecological, multilateral. The speaker advocates for the recognition of Palestine to level the discussion and promote peace despite the Palestinian Authority's flaws. He also calls for labelling and not dealing in products from illegal Israeli settlements.

While acknowledging the desire of Jewish people to have a secure homeland, Andrew Selous expressed concern about the impact of illegal settlements on the viability of creating a Palestinian state. He questioned when the British Government would recognise Palestine and highlighted Yossi Mekelberg's argument that recognition could accelerate peace negotiations.

Wakeford congratulated the new Israeli Government and expressed concern about petitions that use inflammatory language, stating they will not result in positive outcomes. He highlighted an increase in antisemitic incidents in May 2021, more than any other month recorded by the Community Security Trust. Wakeford mentioned vehicle convoys intimidating Jewish people and mezuzahs being removed from homes. He warned against simplifying the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and called for a ban on boycotts of Israel. Asked whether recognising Palestine is expedient given by-elections, questioning how one can recognise something without clear borders or a defined state. Mr Wakeford intervened to emphasise the duty of all Members to condemn antisemitism on the streets, particularly targeting those who call for ethnic cleansing of Israel. He also asked if the Minister would make a statement in the House condemning such calls.

Mr Howell congratulated the new Israeli Government and highlighted its coalition with an Israeli Arab party, stressing Israel's importance to the UK. He argued that boycotting Israel would harm Palestinians and British interests, citing £5 billion in annual trade between the two countries and Teva's contribution to the NHS.

Elliott declared her non-pecuniary interest as chair of Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East, condemning violence from all sides. She highlighted 256 Palestinians killed during a 10-day military assault on Gaza, including 66 children and six people with disabilities, alongside almost 2,000 injured. Elliott criticised Israel for disproportionate violence and called for accountability through international courts. She also mentioned the deterioration of medical conditions in Gaza post-ceasefire.

Rushanara Ali highlighted the need for a negotiated settlement to end the cycle of violence between Israelis and Palestinians. She provided statistics on casualties in Gaza, West Bank, and Israel, urging the UK Government to work with international partners to hold both sides accountable.

Mr Tarry highlighted the growing international concern over Israel's actions in Palestine, noting that his constituency of Ilford South had the highest number of signatories to a petition demanding UK recognition of the state of Palestine. He expressed anger and injustice felt by constituents due to the human rights abuses faced by Palestinians.

Ms Mahmood expressed horror at recent violence in Jerusalem and pressed for protection of holy sites. She noted the need for ending Israel's illegal occupation and settlement expansion, urging the Minister to recognise Palestine.

Steve Double agreed with Steve McCabe's viewpoint, stressing that Hamas is the main roadblock to recognising Palestinian statehood due to their terrorist activities and aims. He expressed concern over the humanitarian impact of conflict and supported Israel's right to defend itself.

Steve McCabe declared his commitment to a two-state solution and called for fresh peace negotiations. He questioned the wisdom of recognising Palestinian statehood unilaterally and highlighted Hamas's control over parts of Palestine as an obstacle to peace.

Mr Baker acknowledged past mistakes in deprioritising issues related to Israel and Palestine and vowed to return repeatedly to the debate on a two-state solution. He emphasised the importance of recognising Palestine as a state to address concerns among British Muslim constituents regarding perceived neglect or persecution of Muslims. Mr Baker also thanked community leaders, particularly imams, for their role in fostering peace.

He expressed concern about the loss of life in Gaza and Israel, particularly among non-combatants and children. Tommy highlighted that the root cause of the conflict is the Israeli military occupation of Palestinian territories. He pointed out that through settlement building, evictions, and other measures, this occupation is entrenched, leading to a 'one-state reality' where Palestinians and Israelis are treated differently based on their status.

Mr David highlighted the public concern over Israel-Palestine issues, noting two significant petitions. He condemned antisemitism and called for an immediate ceasefire following recent conflicts, stressing respect for religious sites like al-Aqsa mosque. He criticised illegal Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem and advocated for a shared city of Jerusalem respecting Palestinian rights. He discussed the occupation's long-term impacts on Palestinians, including increased demolitions and military court injustices against children. Mr David also addressed Gaza's humanitarian crisis and urged international recognition of Palestine alongside Israel.