Israel and Palestine

Calls for the UK to join the 146 UN member states that recognise Palestine as a matter of urgency, stating Netanyahu's refusal to listen to calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Supports Pippa Heylings' point and calls for clarification from the Minister regarding the current government's position on the 2030 road map for UK-Israel bilateral relations.

He criticised the UK Government's lack of action in response to war crimes committed in Gaza, highlighting a need for substantive steps such as examining trade with Israel, arms sales, sanctions against settlers and members of Netanyahu's government, and recognising Palestine. He questioned why these actions had not been taken. Questioned why the current government does not recognise Palestine, despite previous statements and a Commons vote 10 years ago.

In an intervention, Andy McDonald expressed concern about the 15% of F-35 construction parts coming from the UK and warned that continued involvement in such programmes could leave Britain at risk of prosecution for complicity in war crimes. The intervention questioned the logic behind continuing arms exports to Israel, particularly concerning F-35 aircraft that are reportedly used to deliver large bombs in Gaza. The argument was made for a block on end-user sales rather than an outright withdrawal from the programme. Pressed the Minister to explain why more action is not taken against all illegal outposts in the West Bank and occupied territories.

A surgeon broke down in front of the Select Committee on International Development describing drones targeting children and doctors, raising fears over autonomous weapons. The MP questioned whether UK-made drones or F-35 fighter jets are being used to kill civilians in Gaza. She also asked for a clear statement from the Minister regarding UK products sent to Israel through indirect routes and their use against Palestinians. A recent Amnesty International report concluded that 'Israel has committed and is continuing to commit genocide against Palestinians.' The MP highlighted the importance of accountability for the role of the UK as an ally of Israel and emphasised the need for a clear condemnation of Israeli actions, not just theoretical adherence to international law.

Mr Khan denounced the ongoing violence as genocide and criticised Israel's actions, highlighting extensive civilian casualties and human rights abuses such as killing paramedics and aid workers. He called for immediate recognition of Palestinian statehood to address these issues.

Inquired about UK's stance on illegal occupation of West Bank and occupied territories.

Mr. O'Hara demanded an immediate ceasefire, release of hostages, end to UK arms sales to Israel, and official recognition of Palestine since the atrocities in October 2023. He highlighted that four fifths of those killed were inside residential buildings, which is not legitimate under international law. He criticised the Government's complicity in supplying weapons to Netanyahu despite violations of international law.

The MP was shocked to learn that UK's trade in F-35 parts is traceable and that the US Government are tracking it, questioning why this information has not been sought.

Asked if the Minister would give way.

He agreed that Israel's punitive measures against Palestinians are counterproductive and urged the UK to urge Israel to stop its destructive actions in Gaza, emphasizing the need for an immediate ceasefire.

The MP sought the opportunity to speak after Liam Byrne's address but did not provide a detailed contribution in this batch. The MP highlighted that people in Hackney feel strongly about the issue. She agreed with her right hon. Friend that Israel is deliberately trying to disrupt a two-state solution through settlements on the West Bank and annexation of the Golan Heights.

I agree with the need for action on UK arms components being used by Israeli armed forces in ways that breach international law. I also stress the importance of recognising Palestine as an essential step towards a successful peace process, accompanied by stronger positions against illegal settlements.

She asked Andrew Slaughter if he agreed that the UK must uphold its obligations to the International Criminal Court by supporting investigations into alleged war crimes in the region and enforcing any resulting rulings.

Mr Byrne highlighted the tragic case of Hind Rajab, a five-year-old Palestinian girl killed during an Israeli attack. He detailed how 17,000 children and over 45,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's assault on Gaza. He also cited reports by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch that found evidence of genocide, ethnic cleansing, and apartheid, urging Britain to take urgent action against arms sales to Israel.

Jeremy Corbyn expressed concern over the significance of the debate being held in Westminster Hall rather than the main Chamber. He highlighted the impact of arms supplies to Israel, including F-35 jets, and criticised the government's argument that it is impossible to separate parts supplied to Israel from those destined for other users of F-35 jets.

On arms sales, the MP asked if the UK Government should reconsider selling F-35 parts to Israel and suggested an immediate ceasefire and sanctions to bring about peace.

I support my hon. Friend's call for prioritising safe routes to allow medical aid into Gaza without delay.

Ms. Moran intervened to discuss the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion on occupation, urging the Government to clarify their stance more swiftly regarding illegal settlement goods. Ms Moran noted the importance of her Bill advocating for recognition of Palestine, criticising speeches that appear to erase Palestinian voices. She emphasised a cross-party commitment to addressing the issue over decades. Recognises that within Palestine, recognition of a state is seen as a prerequisite but not a replacement for peace. Emphasises the need for viable democratic elections in Palestine where everyone should be allowed to vote. The intervention suggested expanding the scope of the review to include the west bank, where issues are worsening. It was implied that a broader review might lead to suspending more than 30 export licences.

The MP condemned attacks on 7 October, the hostage situation, and the destruction of Palestine. He criticised the Government's decision not to cancel all arms export licences for Israel, especially those for F-35 parts, despite clear risks of violating international humanitarian law. The intervention pointed out technical limitations under current contracts that prevent tracking of F-35 parts once they leave UK borders. It was argued that under the arms trade treaty, there should be no exports if there is an overriding risk of international humanitarian law breaches.

He expressed deep sadness over the events of October 2023, noting that more than 1,000 civilians were murdered or abducted by Hamas terrorists, with 101 still being held hostage. He also highlighted Israel's destructive response, leading to a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza with 90% of the population displaced and critical infrastructure damaged.

Asked when Roz Savage would come to certain points, expressing concern over time constraints and emphasizing the importance of discussing Palestinian statehood.

Mr. Tapp addressed the issue of recognising Palestine, arguing that unilateral recognition complicates peace efforts rather than advancing them. He highlighted that revoking arms exports would have little practical impact on the situation in Gaza but could undermine national security interests in the Middle East.

The constituent signatures in Bedford and Kempston support recognising the state of Palestine now, given Israel's year-long bombardment leading to massive human suffering and evidence of war crimes.

Called for an immediate bilateral ceasefire since November 2023, supporting the recognition of Palestine on 1967 lines. Urged the Minister to respond clearly to calls for halting all arms exports to Israel. Raised concerns over laws passed in Israel's Knesset banning UNRWA and the risk of catastrophic consequences for Palestinian civilians.

Ms. Wilson agreed with the hon. Gentleman that now is the time to provide hope to Palestinians by recognising their state, especially in light of extremists like Smotrich in the Israeli Government looking to annex the West Bank.

Asked if she could be given way to speak. Asked for an intervention but no text provided beyond the request, hence no additional content to summarise. She expressed concern that Israeli officials intend to maintain a long-term presence in Gaza and condemned the de facto annexation of parts of it.

Mr Kohler expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence in Gaza, condemning Hamas's attacks while also criticising Israel for failing to act within international law. He highlighted the urgent need for a bilateral ceasefire and long-term peace based on a two-state solution recognising Palestinian statehood.

Agrees that recognising Palestine is crucial for peace and criticises Israel's reaction to European counterparts who recognise Palestine.

Questions the justification of continuing arms sales to Israel, citing concerns about its compliance with international humanitarian standards and its impact on aid delivery in Gaza.

Richard Burgon called on the Government to introduce sanctions against Israel and pointed out that despite acknowledging risks, they continue to export F-35 fighter jet parts. He questioned why UK does not have access to US tracking information of these exports and asked for assurance on legal protections for workers involved. Asked if the UK Government has access to information on F-35 parts in the global spares pool and their usage by Israel.

Mr Foord criticised the lack of compliance with international law by British arms exports to Israel, particularly regarding the F-35 fighter jets. He pointed out that 90 Palestinians were killed in an attack using a 2,000 lb bomb delivered by F-35s and called for stricter adherence to the principle of distinction in international humanitarian law.

Points out the inconsistency in UK policy, as more than half of EU nations recognise Palestine but the UK does not formally acknowledge it.

She called for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages, stressing that destruction on a scale seen recently goes beyond self-defence and disregards international law. She also highlighted the unlawful expansion of illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank, which hinders the possibility of a two-state solution.

Started e-petition 653509 calling for the recognition of Palestine as a state.

Discussed a needs assessment showing 96% of children in Gaza feel death is imminent, with 79% suffering from nightmares and 49% wishing to die due to the war. Called for an immediate ceasefire, release of hostages, and recognition of Palestinian state as part of a two-state solution.

The speaker asked for intervention time but no further content was provided. Asked if killing civilians through means other than direct bombing is equally reprehensible, advocating for a complete cessation of arms provision to Israel as the only way to stop them.

He thanked the hon. Member for securing the debate and highlighted the moral, political, and legal duty to uphold international law during conflicts. He raised concerns about British airspace being used by US forces in Cyprus potentially aiding war crimes or genocide.

Mr. Opher asked if the hon. Friend celebrated Standing Together, a group working for peace between Israelis and Palestinians, and supported their call for suspending arms transfers to Israel and recognising Palestine.

She agreed with her hon. Friend and suggested taking the vote to recognise Palestine to the United Nations.

He expressed strong condemnation of Israel's actions in Gaza, urging immediate recognition of Palestinian statehood and cessation of all arms sales to Israel. He questioned why the Government have not recognised Palestine.

Supports the Government's public call for an immediate ceasefire and advocates for a two-state solution as the route to lasting peace, urging recognition of Palestine.

Noted that small actions, such as local councils relinquishing interests in buildings perceived to support arms trade, can contribute positively towards peace efforts.

He called on the Government to show leadership by formally recognising Palestine, as promised during the last general election.

Urges a mutual and permanent ceasefire to stop atrocities in Gaza, allow aid into the region, and ensure the return of hostages while advocating for the sovereign state of Palestine alongside a secure Israel.

Expresses concern over Mike Huckabee's nomination for US ambassador to Israel and urges the Government to reaffirm support for a two-state solution.