Gaza and Humanitarian Aid

Agreed with calls for additional aid and safe routes into Gaza. Questioned UK's role in providing both aid and weapons to the region. I am concerned about the absurdity of providing aid to Gaza while also selling arms to Israel, which has resulted in over 40,000 deaths. I ask the Minister to reconsider the Government's position on arms sales to Israel and address whether such sales are morally or legally justifiable given recent bombings of safe zones housing displaced civilians.

Mr Slaughter expressed concern about the escalating violence in Gaza, noting that over 41,000 Palestinians have been killed since October last year. He criticised the British Government for not doing enough to secure a ceasefire and called for early recognition of a Palestinian state.

I urge the Minister to negotiate an end-use agreement with F-35 programme supply chain counterparts to prevent components from being used against international humanitarian law, noting recent IDF bombings in Gaza. I also stress the importance of recognising Palestine as a prerequisite for peace. The MP condemned Israel's actions against UN peacekeepers in Lebanon as a violation of international law.

Ms Begum urged the Government to refrain from euphemistic phrasing about civilian casualties in Gaza, condemning the actions of the Israeli military. She highlighted the deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure, blocking of aid, and weaponisation of starvation, expressing shock at UK's continued support for Israel. The MP questioned how the UK can consider Israel a close ally while aid is being hindered, suggesting that efforts to secure aid are not effective.

Mr Gardiner discussed the legal implications of the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion on the legality of Israel's presence in occupied Palestinian territories. He highlighted that settlements and outposts are unlawful under international law, urging Israel to cease its activities and provide reparations for damage caused since 1967. The MP suggested it was time to stop 'asking' and take stronger action, noting that previous requests for Israeli actions had not been fulfilled.

Blair McDougall stressed the importance of winter preparedness due to expected worsening conditions, questioned the Government's role in aid provision for hygiene kits and shelter. He also raised concerns about long-term security issues such as agricultural damage and the need for reconstruction without past failures repeating.

Recalled his personal experiences in Gaza, emphasizing the need for trust-building between Israel and Palestine. Called for an end to illegal settlements in the West Bank and stressed the importance of rebuilding Gaza.

Chris Murray highlighted the high levels of displacement in Lebanon and Gaza, expressing profound worry about the political destabilisation and potential for escalation. He urged the Government to strain every sinew to avoid further escalation and emphasised the humanitarian imperative.

Discussed the impact of the conflict on innocent civilians in Gaza, noting over 41,000 killed, more than 90,000 injured, and up to 1.9 million internally displaced. She highlighted Islamic Relief UK's efforts, despite logistical challenges such as aid blockades, looting, and attacks on workers.

The MP expressed concern about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Israel, highlighting the need for aid to continue flowing into Gaza. She also asked for an update on hostage negotiations, including Emily Damari's release, and questioned the efforts being made by the UK Government to increase aid deliveries.

Throughout the past 12 months, the UK Government have failed to highlight or prevent the Israeli Government's denial of international assistance into Gaza. The hon. Member questioned why the UK is not enforcing Security Council resolutions.

Described the destruction caused by Israeli soldiers in Gaza, highlighting that doctors attempting to enter Gaza face extreme restrictions and few hospitals are operational. He emphasized Israel's control over access and exit, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis with famine, lack of medical supplies, and destruction of infrastructure.

Mr McDonnell highlighted the urgent need to evacuate seriously injured children from Gaza, drawing parallels with the evacuation system established during the Ukraine conflict. He expressed frustration at the lack of response from government officials and called for immediate action. The MP requested assurance from the Minister regarding the issue of evacuating children caught in the conflict.

Laurence Turner called for immediate efforts towards a ceasefire, hostage return, and progress towards a two-state solution. He questioned the UK Government's representations to Israel regarding aid entry into Gaza and asked about protections for aid workers. Turner also inquired about broader ceasefire talks and reconstruction plans.

Foy highlighted the plight of Christians in Palestine, particularly focusing on the tragic deaths of Nahida Anton and her daughter Samar at the Holy Family church in Gaza. She pointed out that churches should be protected under international conventions but lamented their failure to do so.

I highlight alarming reports that Israeli authorities are considering taking operational control of humanitarian aid distribution, which would be unacceptable given the deliberate obstruction of aid by Israel. I also raise concerns about forced displacement orders for civilians in Gaza's north, including evacuation orders for critically ill patients.

Welcomed the debate on a critical issue, highlighting the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and Lebanon. Urged the UK Government to increase aid, restore the 0.7% ODA target, and open borders for aid delivery.

Maskell criticised the UK's lack of action at the UN General Assembly, where 124 countries called for a ceasefire. She urged the Minister to use leverage and support resolutions that could save lives in Gaza. The MP referred to the UK's non-vote with 124 countries on a UN General Assembly resolution regarding Israel and Gaza.

The hon. Gentleman mentioned aid workers but noted that those in media, education, healthcare are also being delegitimised as part of the conflict.

Adam raised concerns about the lack of medical facilities for children in Gaza, with fewer than 16 hospitals remaining. He asked if there were mechanisms to bring or treat over 50,000 malnourished and ill children in a neutral location.

Mr. Witherden emphasized the severe impact on women and children, reporting that more than 695 people have been killed in the west bank over the past year. He criticised the Israeli government for its blockade of Gaza, which has led to a lack of food aid, destruction of civilian infrastructure, and attacks on medical facilities.

Mr. Ali highlighted the concerns expressed by his constituents about restrictions on humanitarian aid due to Israeli customs rules. He noted that over 90% of efforts to get trucks into Gaza were denied or delayed in September, leading to severe shortages of food, water and medical supplies.

Mr. Vaughan expressed deep concern about the situation in Gaza, noting that over 41,000 people have been killed and many more injured or displaced. He highlighted the urgent need for aid to be distributed properly and for Israel to comply with the International Court of Justice order preventing genocide.

The Chair expects winding-up speeches from the Front Benches at about 4.5 pm.