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Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
12 February 2025
Lead MP
Brian Leishman
Alloa and Grangemouth
Lab
Responding Minister
Mr Hamish Falconer
Tags
Foreign Affairs
Word Count: 8963
Other Contributors: 24
At a Glance
Brian Leishman raised concerns about israel and the occupied palestinian territories in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
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:
Lead Contributor
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Poole
Suggests practical measures such as banning goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements, supporting Amnesty International’s position.
Glasgow West
Agrees with the need to consider export bans on items like drones, which can be weaponised against Palestinians.
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
Government Response
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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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.