Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Gaza: Humanitarian Aid and Children

08 February 2024 · 6 other contributors · 10,146 words

Opened by Apsana Begum Lab Poplar and Limehouse

Responding minister: Leo Docherty

Foreign AffairsChildren & FamiliesNHS

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Apsana Begum raised concerns about gaza: humanitarian aid and children in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The lead MP is concerned about the impact of the war on children in Gaza, noting over 11,500 children killed since October.
  • The MP highlights severe shortages of medical supplies, food, water, and shelter, with over 24,000 children losing one or both parents.
  • The MP asks if the UK government has considered allowing affected children into the UK for safety during the conflict.

Key requests to Government

The lead MP asks if the Government will clarify whether they have considered allowing children into the UK for their safety during this conflict, in response to a petition with over 17,000 signatures. She also urges the government to uphold humanitarian obligations and resume funding for agencies like UNRWA.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Apsana Begum Lab Poplar and Limehouse

The lead MP is concerned about the unprecedented impact of war on children in Gaza, noting that over 11,500 children have been killed since October. She highlights the lack of medical supplies, food, water, and shelter, with more than 24,000 losing one or both parents. Hospitals are overwhelmed, treating wounded children without family support, and many suffer from malnutrition due to severe shortages. The lead MP also questions whether the UK government has considered allowing affected children into the UK for safety.

Other contributors (6)
  • Andrew Slaughter Lab Hammersmith and Chiswick

    Mr Slaughter highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, emphasizing the long-term siege and multiple assaults on the region. He expressed concern over the lack of aid reaching Gaza and called for investigations into alleged misconduct by UNRWA staff to be fair and thorough while ensuring ongoing support is not disrupted. Mr Slaughter also criticized the UK Government's failure to provide a political lead in addressing the crisis and urged for an immediate ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid delivery. I doubt that there is anybody here who does not fully agree with those five points, beginning with the release of the hostages; it is indefensible that they should continue to be held. Realistically, however, given the nature of the Netanyahu Government, does the Minister expect those things, including looking forward to a new peace process, to happen before there is a sustained ceasefire?

  • Jeremy Corbyn Ind Islington North

    Mr Corbyn highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, emphasizing the ongoing siege and occupation which led to shortages of water, food, medicine, and other necessities. He expressed concern over the ICJ ruling that Israel's actions were tantamount to genocide against Palestinians and called for an immediate ceasefire and increase in aid delivery. Mr Corbyn criticized the UK Government's decision to withhold further funding from UNRWA until inquiries are completed, stating this is 'beyond regrettable'. He also mentioned the denial of medical aid and school education, emphasizing the urgent need for a ceasefire and peace negotiations. Surely the issue now is that as the weather gets warmer, without any sewage facilities or clean water, the next thing will be cholera. Asked for clarity on how UK aid will be administered in Gaza, including details of who will deliver it and how it will overcome current logistical challenges.

  • John McNally

    I congratulate Apsana Begum on securing this crucial debate. The situation in Gaza is a humanitarian catastrophe with 40% of casualties being children. Children face unimaginable horrors daily, and without immediate intervention, disease will worsen leading to an uncertain future for them. Reports of deliberate strikes on civilian safe zones and hospitals are deeply disturbing. Aid efforts alone cannot substitute for a ceasefire. Education has come to a standstill in Gaza with UNRWA schools closed, impacting mental health severely.

  • Rachel Hopkins Lab Luton South and South Bedfordshire

    Ms Hopkins expressed concern about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, highlighting that over 11,500 children have been killed since October and 17,000 are unaccompanied or separated from their families. She stressed the need for immediate aid and a permanent ceasefire to prevent further deaths due to hunger, malnutrition, disease, and lack of medical supplies. Ms Hopkins also raised concerns about mental health support for nearly one million children suffering from trauma.

  • Tan Dhesi Lab Slough

    The horrors of recent months have literally been intolerable. Israel continues to use devastating tactics that have seen far too many innocent civilians—including children—killed, with unacceptable blocks on essential humanitarian aid. Like my right hon. Friend, I have seen the amazing work of UNRWA on the ground in Palestine and stresses that there is a real danger of a deadly famine engulfing Gaza due to civilian deaths, especially those of children, ongoing displacement, and potential aid cuts amid continuing conflict.

  • Wayne David Lab Caerphilly

    It is crucial not to become desensitised to the suffering in Gaza, where more than 27,000 Palestinians have lost their lives and 11,500 children are among the casualties. The people of Gaza are highly educated and resilient, and many need urgent medical attention. There must be a sustainable ceasefire and immediate humanitarian aid delivery.

Government Response

Leo Docherty

I am grateful to the hon. Member for Poplar and Limehouse (Apsana Begum) for leading this important debate. Four months have now passed since Israel suffered the worst terror attack in its history at the hands of Hamas, who still hold more than 130 hostages. Meanwhile, Palestinian civilians are facing a devastating and growing humanitarian crisis inside Gaza, with children bearing the worst consequences. The number of people killed has surpassed 27,000, and over 67,000 have been injured; nearly half a million people have been displaced, more than half being children. Hunger and disease are spreading rapidly, exacerbated by overcrowded shelters. UNICEF reports that all children under five in Gaza—about 335,000—are at high risk of severe malnutrition. The healthcare system has virtually collapsed: only 13 of 36 hospitals function partially, with insufficient medical supplies and staff. The UK's response includes trebling aid to £87 million for the Occupied Palestinian Territories this year, with £60 million allocated specifically to Gaza. We continue to call for an immediate pause to get more aid in and hostages out. UNRWA allegations have led us to temporarily pause funding; we will review these concerning allegations before making any future decisions on funding. In terms of aid access, I am grateful for the questions raised about our calls for increased border crossings and additional food, shelter, and health support. We are supporting UNICEF's work with specific targeted support for children through £5.75 million in contributions. The Foreign Secretary discussed the urgent need to get significantly more aid into Gaza, including extending opening hours at Nitzana and Kerem Shalom checkpoints and removing restrictions on goods allowed in. We also urge Israel to open Ashdod port as a route for aid, Erez crossing for direct access to north Gaza, and restore water, fuel, and electricity connections. We continue to push diplomatically towards a sustainable ceasefire through five identified steps: release of Israeli hostages, formation of a new Palestinian Government with international support, removal of Hamas's attack capacity, ending Hamas control over Gaza, and providing a credible pathway for a two-state solution. Despite challenges, we believe a humanitarian pause can lead to a ceasefire if international assurances are given and confidence on both sides is established.

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