Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories

12 February 2025 · 24 other contributors · 8,963 words

Opened by Brian Leishman Lab Alloa and Grangemouth

Responding minister: Mr Hamish Falconer

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

At a glance

Brian Leishman raised concerns about israel and the occupied palestinian territories in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The ICJ Advisory Opinion states that Israel's occupation of the OPT is unlawful and that settlements are illegal.
  • The UK Government abstained from voting at the UN General Assembly on the resolution regarding the ICJ Advisory Opinion.
  • The Minister confirmed the illegality of Israeli settlements under international law and announced a full suspension of relevant export licences to Israel.

Key requests to Government

I ask the Minister to confirm if the Government agree that the occupation is illegal and demand an end to it. Additionally, I request clarity on why the UK continues to sell arms to Israel despite their use in atrocities against Palestinians.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Brian Leishman Lab Alloa and Grangemouth

The ICJ Advisory Opinion on Israel’s occupation of the OPT is clear that the occupation is unlawful, settlements are illegal, and Palestinians face systemic violations of international humanitarian law. The UK Government supported key findings but abstained from voting at the UN General Assembly.

Other contributors (24)
  • Abtisam Mohamed Lab Sheffield Central

    Mohamed agrees with Ali that recognising Palestine as a state is essential for peace and stability. Annexation of the west bank undermines the peace process.

  • Andrew George LD St Ives

    Endorses the hon. Gentleman's point and recommends that the UK Government should strongly oppose the US Administration's proposals for Gaza.

  • Andy McDonald Lab Middlesbrough and Thornaby East

    Asked three questions regarding settlement goods and business practices with illegal Israeli settlements, seeking legislative and regulatory steps from the Government to prohibit such activities.

  • Andy Slaughter Lab Hammersmith and Chiswick

    Slaughter asks the Government how long it will take to respond to the advisory opinion and discusses inconsistencies in policy regarding settlements, trade, segregation of Palestinian population, and transfer of population.

  • Ayoub Khan Ind Birmingham Perry Barr

    The suggestion that Palestinians were used as human shields is nonsense. The atrocities in Gaza are continuing, with thousands of children killed and barely making headlines.

  • Calum Miller LD Bicester and Woodstock

    Argued for upholding the rule of law and the role of international institutions such as the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court in UK foreign policy.

  • Debbie Abrahams Lab Oldham East and Saddleworth

    There is a conflict between some of the Government’s political instincts. They say that Israel is an ally, but sometimes we have to speak as strongly to our friends as we do to our enemies. The UK has particular responsibilities including historical responsibilities, going back to the Balfour declaration and the mandate.

  • Douglas McAllister Lab West Dunbartonshire

    Questioned the Government's response to the ICJ advisory opinion and asked about reparations for Palestinian victims.

  • Ellie Chowns Green North Herefordshire

    The ICJ opinion is very meaningful for the UK because third states have obligations not to recognise as legal the illegal occupation; not to render aid or assistance in maintaining that situation; and to abstain from entering into economic or trade dealings with Israel concerning the occupied Palestinian territory.

  • Imran Hussain Lab Bradford East

    He agrees with his hon. Friend that this advisory opinion places a clear obligation on the UK Government to act immediately and abide by international law.

  • James MacCleary LD Lewes

    The situation in the middle east is one of the greatest humanitarian crises of our time. Gaza is in ruins and tens of thousands are dead, including many children. The UK must be willing to act, including by ending trade with illegal settlements.

  • Jas Athwal Lab Ilford South

    The ceasefire was hard fought and painstakingly negotiated, but finally it delivered not only peace but hope. After 15 months of death, destruction and violence, we have witnessed hostages returning to their families and prisoners being freed in exchange.

  • Jeremy Corbyn Ind Islington North

    Thanked the hon. Member for securing today’s debate, congratulated South Africa on applying international law for Palestinians and emphasized the need to accept all ICJ decisions.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    The hon. Member expressed support for Israel's right to exist as a secure homeland but criticised the ICJ’s measures and Hamas’s aggression towards civilians.

  • John McDonnell Ind Hayes and Harlington

    Asked about an investigation into allegations of complicity in war crimes by a diplomat who resigned over arms sales to Israel.

  • Kim Johnson Lab Liverpool Riverside

    The hon. Member condemned recent proposals threatening ethnic cleansing in Gaza, proposed by the US President, urging the UK Government to fully accept the International Court of Justice advisory opinion on Israel's occupation and apartheid.

  • Neil Duncan-Jordan Lab Poole

    Suggests practical measures such as banning goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements, supporting Amnesty International’s position.

  • Patricia Ferguson Lab Glasgow West

    Agrees with the need to consider export bans on items like drones, which can be weaponised against Palestinians.

  • Richard Foord LD Honiton and Sidmouth

    Foord questions whether we will uphold international law or allow power politics to dictate when it applies, referencing US sanctions against ICC officials for investigating Israeli forces.

  • Shockat Adam Ind Leicester South

    The hon. Member thanked the lead MP for securing this debate and agreed that putting a financial cost on humanitarian disaster is abhorrent, as stated by the Foreign Secretary.

  • Steve Witherden Lab Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr

    Warned parliamentarians of the real risk that the UK could be in breach of international law by not imposing sanctions on Israel, advocating an immediate ban on arms exports.

  • Tahir Ali Lab Birmingham Hall Green and Moseley

    Calling Netanyahu’s intentions ethnic cleansing, Tahir Ali stated that the UK Government must recognise both states for a two-state solution. More than 50,000 Palestinians have been killed and humanitarian aid denied.

  • Tracy Gilbert Lab Edinburgh North and Leith

    Welcomed the Government’s statements about international law compliance but expressed concerns over Israel's 57-year occupation of Palestinian territories, urging measures for a long-lasting peace.

  • Wendy Morton Con Aldridge-Brownhills

    Morton questions the effectiveness of ICJ cases in bringing peace between Israelis and Palestinians. She highlights ongoing efforts to secure hostage releases and requests updates on British aid delivery to Gaza. Welcomed the Minister's commitment to scrutinising the Labour Government and asked for updates on the situation.

Government Response

Mr Hamish Falconer

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs

Stated that the UK is committed to international law, announced a full suspension of relevant export licences to Israel following an assessment of compliance with international humanitarian law, confirmed the illegality of Israeli settlements under international law, and reiterated support for a two-state solution while considering the ICJ advisory opinion carefully.

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