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Israeli-Palestinian Peace: International Fund
11 March 2025
Lead MP
Steve Yemm
Mansfield
Lab
Responding Minister
Mr Hamish Falconer
Tags
Foreign Affairs
Word Count: 8963
Other Contributors: 14
At a Glance
Steve Yemm raised concerns about israeli-palestinian peace: international fund in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
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.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
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.
Alex Ballinger
Lab
Halesowen
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.
Anneliese Dodds
Lab/Co-op
Oxford East
Emphasised the importance of grassroots co-operation, referencing the British Co-operative Group's work on peace and economic development in the middle east.
Ayoub Khan
Ind
Birmingham Perry Barr
Questions whether recognising Palestine before discussing funding packages could prevent issues raised by Trump regarding aid for Gaza redevelopment.
Brian Mathew
LD
Melksham and Devizes
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.
Dan Tomlinson
Lab
Chipping Barnet
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.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
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.
Jon Pearce
Lab
High Peak
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.
Kevin Bonavia
Lab
Stevenage
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.
Luke Akehurst
Lab
North Durham
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.
Falconer
Lab
Constituency Not Specified
Rebuilding trust is vital for peace efforts. The Minister agrees on the importance of transparency in fund distribution to ensure aid reaches intended recipients.
Gregory Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
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.
Peter Prinsley
Lab
Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket
Discussed the psychological impact of violence in Israel and Palestine, highlighting ongoing trauma's effect on peacebuilding.
Sharon Hodgson
Lab
Washington and Gateshead South
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.
Shockat Adam
Ind
Leicester South
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 Falconer
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs
Government Response
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.