Israel and Palestine

He added his congratulations to the petitioners and expressed that it is unthinkable to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the universal declaration of human rights while denying Palestinian human rights, highlighting the violence against civilians. He pointed out that half of Gaza is starving, with 90% lacking daily food access. He agreed with MacAskill's view and emphasised the need to call out the Israeli army's barbarism on Human Rights Day. Mr Khan briefly intervened to ask Mr Nicolson a question.

Represented constituents who have written over 2,600 letters expressing concerns about the conflict in Gaza. Highlighted ActionAid's statement on disproportionate impacts on women and medical professionals' struggles under bombardment. Called attention to the traumatic circumstances pregnant women face giving birth without proper care or facilities. Responded to another MP's point, stating 'They are not even Tories.'

Called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, citing 350,000 people suffering from infections in Gaza and 46,000 injured without treatment. Emphasised the severe shortage of medical supplies and the impact on civilians.

Mr. Andrew Percy expressed deep concern over antisemitic protests in London, noting that Jewish communities feel unsafe due to such incidents. He shared his experience visiting sites of recent attacks in Israel, describing the horrific violence committed by Hamas terrorists against civilians, including brutal gender-based violence and sexual assaults. Mr. Percy emphasized the need for Hamas's degradation and its removal from governance in Gaza. Asked the hon. Gentleman about his policy for ridding Hamas from governance in Gaza, questioning the effectiveness of previous ceasefires. As the sole Conservative Member present, he sought to draw attention to the distinction between democratically elected politicians in Israel and those seeking political change through Hamas. He shared poll data from Palestinian pollsters showing that 83% of Palestinians reject co-existence with Israel and 75% support recent attacks, expressing concern about how to achieve political progress given these views.

Andrew Slaughter inquires if the Minister's Department will sponsor a full-day debate in the main Chamber to discuss various issues related to Israel-Gaza war, including settler violence, IDF actions, settlement expansion, and UK arms supplies.

He noted there is no clear strategy from the Government to help prevent suffering in Gaza and asked that when the Minister responds, he sets out what steps are being taken now with international partners.

Described the horrific situations faced by Palestinians in Gaza, highlighting the risks journalists take to document atrocities and calling for an ICC investigation into war crimes. Emphasised the need for a permanent ceasefire.

Expressed horror at the disregard for Palestinian life, noting a 40% increase in Gaza death toll since before the temporary humanitarian truce. Asked why there is so little outrage over civilian deaths and Islamophobic attacks on mosques and individuals.

The MP thanked the lead speaker for their remarks, correcting a previous statement about his visit to Kfar Aza and expressing plans to return next month. He spoke against a ceasefire with Hamas, citing their charter stating the desire to wipe Jewish people off the face of the earth and recent attacks. He highlighted the brutality of the 7 October pogrom where his constituents lost family members and friends. He emphasised Israel's right to defend itself by targeting Hamas infrastructure and called for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to be proscribed in its entirety.

Claudia Webbe questions whether the Government will provide evidence to the International Criminal Court regarding calls for prosecution of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

She congratulated the hon. Friend on their speech and asked if they were as disappointed as she was about the UK's abstention at the UN Security Council, which prevented support for a ceasefire resolution. Requested to give way but no further details provided.

The UK Government urges the Israeli Government to undertake targeted strikes and protect civilians, but Helen Hayes questions what further actions the UK Government will take when it is clear that these conditions are not being met.

Representing constituents who have written to him and signed petitions, Imran Hussain highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, describing it as a 'graveyard' for thousands of innocent men, women and children. He cited recent statements from the EU's foreign policy chief and the UN's humanitarian affairs chief regarding the intensity of war crimes committed against Palestinians. Hussain also criticised the UK Government's abstention on a UN Security Council vote that would have led to a ceasefire resolution, arguing that this decision reflects a lack of independent foreign policy and undermines international law.

Mr. Shannon expressed his support for Israel and highlighted the ongoing attacks by Hamas, noting that rockets continue to be fired at Israeli civilian areas. He cited the effectiveness of the Iron Dome system, which intercepts nine out of ten munitions fired into Israel, and called for a bilateral ceasefire once Hamas is dismantled.

Condemned Hamas's crimes and supported the legal stance that Israel's response must adhere to international law. Called for a humanitarian approach, including ending collective punishment and ensuring basic needs are met in Gaza. Emphasised the need for a permanent ceasefire and lifting of the total closure on Gaza.

Asked the hon. Gentleman to explain his long-term objective regarding Gaza, questioning if citizens of Gaza will be bombed indefinitely until Hamas surrenders. Mr Nicolson expressed horror at the inhumane bombardment of Gaza, highlighting that around 7,000 children are among the estimated 17,000 dead. He criticised Israel's bombing of schools, hospitals, and homes as war crimes and called for UK neutrality, humanitarian aid, and an immediate ceasefire.

Concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Kate Hollern highlighted that Blackburn is among the top constituencies for signatures on petitions related to the conflict. She condemned the October terror attack but criticized the collective punishment of Palestinians and called for an immediate binding ceasefire.

He condemned the events of October 7 and argued that Israel's response has been disproportionate, constituting a war crime. He called for an immediate ceasefire rather than just a humanitarian pause. He criticised the UK Government's failure to support a UN Security Council resolution for a ceasefire and highlighted the hypocrisy in addressing conflicts like Ukraine while remaining silent on Gaza.

She supported MacAskill's argument, stressing that while ending violence is crucial, a political strategy involving international allies is necessary for resolving the conflict. She questioned why the Government had not pursued such a strategy over the past decade.

Asked if a pause in hostilities would be acceptable, given the current situation where hospitals are not functioning and aid is unable to reach those in need, Layla Moran expressed concern that without addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis, more insurgency may fuel rather than prevent conflict.

Congratulates the Member for Lancaster and Fleetwood on introducing the debate, acknowledges widespread support for the petition across his constituency. Expresses concern about the violence in Gaza that has led to 18,000 deaths, 50,000 injuries, and rendered 2.2 million people desperate for food assistance. Criticizes the World Food Programme's inability to operate effectively due to lack of resources and security. Urges the UK Government to support a binding-on-all-sides ceasefire.

My hon. Friend calls for an immediate ceasefire and agrees with Amnesty International urging the UK Government to end Israel's blockade of Gaza by suspending recent restrictions on essential supplies.

I abhor the violence of 1,200 people killed on 7 October and believe Israel's response has been disproportionate. The scenes are horrifying with indiscriminate loss of civilian lives. I hope for peace through political negotiation and targeted military action, but the increasing illegal settlements in the West Bank must concern us all. My hon. Friend is making a powerful speech. He expressed concern that the current conflict might be exploited by certain factions within the Israeli coalition government to pursue an ideological agenda, potentially accelerating illegal settlements with the aim of eradicating Palestine as imagined.

He emphasised the right to self-defence under international law and highlighted that Palestinian civilians, especially children, are suffering due to bombardment and siege. He cited UN figures indicating over 17,000 deaths and nearly 2 million displaced people since October 7th. Whitley warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis as winter progresses and called for an immediate ceasefire and political process to ensure peace. Mick Whitley asks about any discussions held by the Government over the past 13 years concerning a two-state solution and inquires when such discussions last took place.

He recognised that a temporary truce in Gaza had led to the release of hostages and reduced violence, asking if the hon. Friend agreed that pushing for a permanent ceasefire was crucial for securing peace and ending innocent lives being lost.

Asked if the UK Government should consider a process similar to the Ukraine scheme for Palestinians to come to the UK and return home when it is safe.

The MP notes that 1,400 Leeds East constituents have signed petitions on Israel-Palestine. He questions the UK Government's abstention at the UN Security Council vote for a ceasefire and calls for backing from the international community to end suffering, release hostages, and secure a better future.

I echo the hon. Member's calls for a two-state solution and question the senior Israeli official's claim that one third of those killed were combatants, highlighting the devastating impact on civilians.

The hon. Member inquired about the issue of arms sales to Israel, questioning whether existing export control joint unit guidelines adequately prevent the facilitation of violations of international and humanitarian law.

He questioned whether the UK can still take a neutral stance given its position as an outlier after last Friday's UN vote, suggesting the need for the petition to be recognised and for the UK to return to neutrality rather than supporting the war.

Expressed concern about the ongoing violence in Gaza and the need for a meaningful cessation of hostilities. Emphasised the importance of humanitarian relief, including food, water, medicines, and fuel. Called for the Kerem Shalom crossing to be opened by Israel. Highlighted settler violence in the West Bank and called for no increase in illegal settlements. Suggested that the UK should follow US actions on visa restrictions to pressure Israel towards a two-state solution.