House of Commons · Westminster Hall
11 March 2025 · 14 other contributors · 8,963 words
Opened by Steve Yemm Lab Mansfield
Responding minister: Mr Hamish Falconer
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Steve Yemm raised concerns about israeli-palestinian peace: international fund in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The Government should continue its support for the international fund for Israeli-Palestinian peace to mobilise international investment in regional projects and ensure value for money in achieving security abroad.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The recent Israeli-Palestinian conflict cycle has seen massive loss of life and atrocities, necessitating efforts to ensure a lasting peace. The debate highlights the importance of involving Israeli and Palestinian civil society in peacebuilding initiatives, as well as addressing long-term trends that can bring us closer to peace.
The speaker discussed the trauma and suffering leading to polarisation of views, reflecting in polls and conversations during a recent visit to Israel and the West Bank.
Emphasised the importance of grassroots co-operation, referencing the British Co-operative Group's work on peace and economic development in the middle east.
Questions whether recognising Palestine before discussing funding packages could prevent issues raised by Trump regarding aid for Gaza redevelopment.
Called for immediate ceasefire maintenance, aid supply to Gaza, recognition of Palestinian state based on 1967 borders, and support for civil society organisations promoting peace.
Welcomes the ceasefire and hostage release, highlighting the importance of long-term political resolutions and the role of civil society organisations in fostering mutual understanding.
Highlights the plight of children caught in the conflict, emphasizing the need for an international fund to promote education and co-existence between Israeli and Gazan youth. Transparency is needed to ensure that funds are allocated safely and reach the right people for the right purposes. The Minister welcomes support for civil society efforts in peacebuilding.
The MP supported Labour’s initiative to set up an international fund and shared his personal visit experiences with Israeli and Palestinian NGOs working on peace-building initiatives.
Refers to the UK's experience in Northern Ireland and calls for an international fund modelled on the International Fund for Ireland, supporting cross-party support for peacebuilding efforts in Israel and Palestine.
Supports a two-state solution and calls for a grassroots diplomatic process involving organisations like Roots, which work towards peace and understanding among Israelis and Palestinians.
Rebuilding trust is vital for peace efforts. The Minister agrees on the importance of transparency in fund distribution to ensure aid reaches intended recipients.
Expressed caution about comparing the Israeli-Palestinian situation to Northern Ireland, stressing the need for a much larger fund due to the scale of the rebuild required in Gaza.
Discussed the psychological impact of violence in Israel and Palestine, highlighting ongoing trauma's effect on peacebuilding.
The speaker emphasised the importance of learning from Northern Ireland's peacebuilding experience, highlighting the role of civil society and the International Fund for Ireland.
Asked about the impact of Official Development Assistance changes on programmes in the region, particularly whether funding for Occupied Palestinian Territories would drop following recent announcements.
Government Response
Mr Hamish FalconerThe Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs
Acknowledged the efforts made by previous Ministers to secure peace in the region. Emphasized the importance of a ceasefire going through all three phases to build trust between Palestinians and Israelis. Stated that aid should not be used as a political tool, and committed to convening an international meeting for Israeli-Palestinian peace without providing specific details on timing or participants. We welcome the Arab plan and its potential to contribute to reconstruction and governance. We see no role for Hamas in future governance and will discuss this at G7 meetings. The UK has provided £5 million for Palestinian Authority reform initiatives and supports civil society roles in peacebuilding.