Israel and Gaza
Commons Urgent Question
The following Answer to an Urgent Question was given in the House
of Commons on Wednesday 19 May.
“Since I was last at the Dispatch Box on 13 May, we have sadly
seen further violence and more civilian deaths. I am sure the
House will join me in offering condolences to all the families of
those civilians who have been killed or injured across Israel and
the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Mr Speaker, with your permission I will set out to the House the
work that the Government are doing, along with others, to bring
about a peaceful resolution. We are urging the parties to work
with mediators towards an immediate ceasefire to prevent further
loss of life and a worsening humanitarian situation. We are
supporting United Nations, Egyptian and Qatari efforts to that
end, and we work closely with the United States.
We are also prioritising our own diplomatic efforts through both
bilateral and multilateral channels. The Foreign Secretary and I,
with the support of our diplomats on the ground, have been
working to progress the conditions needed for an immediate
ceasefire. The Foreign Secretary has spoken in recent days with
the Israeli Foreign Minister and the Palestinian Prime Minister;
he reinforced our clear message of de-escalation and our desire
to work together to end the violence. I delivered similar
messages to the Israeli ambassador and the Palestinian head of
mission in London.
We have also engaged regional partners at ministerial level. The
Foreign Secretary spoke with the Foreign Minister of Jordan on 17
May and just this morning I spoke with a number of ambassadors
from Arab states to reiterate the need for an immediate
ceasefire, and I underlined our shared goal of a peaceful
two-state solution. We are playing a leadership role in the
United Nations Security Council, where we are calling for
measures by all sides to reduce further violence. We will
participate in the emergency UN General Assembly session later
this week.
The UK unequivocally condemns the firing of rockets at Jerusalem
and other locations within Israel. We strongly condemn these acts
of terrorism by Hamas and other terrorist groups, which must
permanently end their incitement and rocket fire against Israel.
There is no justification for the targeting of civilians.
Israel has a legitimate right to self-defence and to defend its
citizens from attack. In doing so, it is vital that all actions
are proportionate, in line with international humanitarian law
and make every effort to avoid civilian casualties. We are aware
of medical institutions, a number of schools and many homes in
Gaza that have been destroyed or seriously damaged, and we are
concerned that buildings housing media and humanitarian
organisations such as Qatar Red Crescent have been destroyed. We
call on Israel to adhere to the principles of necessity and
proportionality when defending its legitimate security interests.
We are also concerned by reports that Hamas is once again using
civilian infrastructure and populations as a cover for its
military operations. Humanitarian access is essential, and we
urge all parties to allow the unimpeded entry of vital
humanitarian supplies. Hamas and other terrorist groups must
cease their mortar attacks on these crossings. We urge all
parties to work together to reduce tensions in the West Bank,
including east Jerusalem. The UK is clear that the historic
status quo in Jerusalem must be respected. Violence against
peaceful worshippers of any faith is unacceptable.
The UK position on evictions, demolitions and settlements is
clear and long-standing: we oppose these activities. We urge the
Government of Israel to cease their policies related to
settlement expansion immediately and instead work towards a
two-state solution. The UK will continue our intensive diplomatic
efforts in the region focused on securing a ceasefire and
creating the conditions for a sustainable peace.”
13:21:00
(Lab)
My Lords, last week we called for concerted action at the United
Nations Security Council to halt the violence, so it is welcome
that France has put forward proposals, with the support of Egypt
and Jordan, together with yesterday’s news that President Biden
is encouraging the Israeli Government to facilitate a ceasefire.
Such a move will not only allow moderate voices on all sides to
be heard but will address the urgent need for humanitarian access
to Gaza. Can the Minister detail what steps our representatives
at the UN are taking to support the ceasefire initiative, and
what steps the Government are taking to help facilitate urgent
humanitarian support into Gaza?
The Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development
Office () (Con)
My Lords, on the noble Lord’s first point, I have been engaging
directly with our ambassador to the United Nations and we are
working with other key colleagues to ensure first and foremost
that a ceasefire is guaranteed, both through the UN and
bilaterally. We have taken other urgent steps as well. My right
honourable friend the Foreign Secretary has engaged directly with
both the Israeli Foreign Minister and the Palestinian Prime
Minister over the last few days to ensure that there is an
immediate ceasefire, and on the important point the noble Lord
made about guaranteeing access for humanitarian relief,
particularly into Gaza.
(LD)
My Lords, does the Minister accept that the international
community failed to address the underlying causes and grievances
following earlier wars on Gaza, and this time a simple
ceasefire—though absolutely necessary—is just not sufficient for
the benefit of Israelis and Palestinians? I also point out that
in the past a group of aid agencies working in Gaza, including
Oxfam, Save the Children, and the Quakers, had regular meetings
with his department. Can I ask him to make sure that these are
reinstated?
(Con)
My Lords, it is certainly my firm belief that, in the tragedy of
this ongoing conflict, we all know what the ultimate sustainable
solution is: a secure, safe Israel next door to a sustainable
Palestinian state. I assure the noble Baroness of my good offices
in ensuring that we do not lose the momentum behind this
challenge. In response to her second point, if it is within scope
to meet directly, I will—otherwise the appropriate Minister will
engage directly.
(Con)
[V]
My Lords, the longer this cycle of violence continues, the more
challenging it will be to reach the objective of two states
living side by side in peace. Does my noble friend the Minister
not agree that, unless this conflict is soon brought to a close,
it could result in increased radicalisation and extremism for the
whole region? Therefore, could he tell me what steps the UK is
taking to join the International Fund for Israeli-Palestinian
Peace, alongside the United States?
(Con)
My Lords, we must engage directly with all initiatives which seek
to bring peace to the region. This conflict has gone on for far
too long. We know what the ultimate goal should be and should
ensure we exercise all opportunities in achievement of that goal.
We have taken immediate steps, as I have already indicated. On
the issue of extremism and radicalisation, I agree with the noble
Baroness; we have to ensure that the whole ideological base and
the hijacking of the agenda by extremist and terrorist
organisations are put to rest. The best way to do that is to
bring together voices that want to see progress on this most
important issue.
(CB)
[V]
My Lords, perhaps I could press the Minister a little further on
some of his earlier answers. Could he say whether, in the
meetings of the Security Council between 16 and 19 May, our
representative gave full support to the call by the UN
Secretary-General for an early ceasefire? If the answer if not
unambiguously “yes”, why not? Does he not agree that, as I think
he has said, we have now seen beyond demonstrable doubt that the
policy of neglecting the Palestine-Israel negotiations over
recent years is neither producing security for Israel nor
generating well-being for the Palestinians?
(Con)
My Lords, on the second question the noble Lord raised, I think I
have made the position clear. In reply to his first point, both
at the Security Council and in the Statement yesterday we called
for an immediate ceasefire.
The Lord Bishop of Southwark
Some of your Lordships may be aware that I returned from
Jerusalem yesterday evening, where I attended the very joyful
installation of the new Anglican archbishop there. From an
earlier answer given by the Minister, I take it he agrees that,
until the underlying causes that gave rise to the clashes on
Temple Mount, in the Al-Aqsa Mosque and in the Sheikh Jarrah
neighbourhood where I was staying, and the conflict between Hamas
and Israel, are addressed, Israelis and Palestinians will not
enjoy security, experience justice or build a relationship of
mutual respect and regard? Does the Minister agree that, for
violence to permanently end, Israel’s occupation must also end?
(Con)
My Lords, I agree with the right reverend Prelate and have
already indicated what the sustainable solution is, which is
clear and in front of us. It goes back to the importance of a
viable two-state solution, which the Government have repeatedly
stated. On the points he made about the importance of Jerusalem
and other holy places across the Holy Land, speaking as a Muslim
who has visited Israel—Jerusalem and other holy sites—I say that
we have been enriched by the essence of faith, the Abrahamic
faiths, which bring people together. The faith community has had
an important role to play in the healing, reconciliation and
building through progressive steps towards the two-state
solution.
(Con) [V]
My Lords, it looks like a ceasefire is imminent, but that is not
the issue now. This conflict was completely unprovoked and
started by Hamas terrorists for pure political expediency at a
horrific and terrible cost, not least to their own people. Does
my noble friend agree with me that the issue now is that we
ensure that Hamas cannot and does not call this conflict a win in
any way, and that it does not get access to more lethal and
dangerous arms, as it will undoubtedly seek to, from countries
such as Iran?
(Con)
My Lords, I agree with my noble friend: Hamas does not represent
the Palestinian people. We have seen interview upon interview
with innocent residents of Gaza who have been impacted by the
actions of Hamas and the missiles and rockets that have been seen
over Israel. Equally, it has also caused not only destruction to
buildings but loss of life. The response has also caused a major
loss of life in Gaza. We need an immediate ceasefire, but Hamas
is an organisation that does not believe in peace. What we need
is progressive voices on both sides to build to the ultimate
sustainable solution of two viable states.
(Lab)
My Lords, beyond an immediate ceasefire, does the Minister agree
that, until last week, there seemed to be no chance of reviving
the Middle East peace process? However, now, in part because of
concern in Israel about a possible civil war, there is at least
the prospect of opening serious talks, brokered by the United
States and Arab states, with our support. Of course, Iran is
acting as a spoiler, still supplying rockets to Hamas in Gaza.
(Con)
My Lords, as I have already indicated, through the tragedy of the
current conflict, there is ironically a sense of both attention
and momentum, and therein lies an opportunity to revive the peace
process, in the interests of not just the Palestinian people but
Israel and, indeed, the wider region.
(Con) [V]
My Lords, I am very concerned at the loss of life and violent
activities on both sides. I have been to Gaza as well as Israel,
and I ask that we actively pursue securing the ceasefire
immediately. However, I will refer to a question that I raised in
your Lordships’ House yesterday but did not get a reply to. Like
many Muslims in the world, I was very disturbed by the Israeli
attacks on the al-Aqsa mosque; to us Muslims, it is the third
holiest place in the world. I have visited and prayed there three
times. It is sacred, and I believe that what has happened is
sacrilege. Can my noble friend the Minister comment on what has
happened and perhaps try to ensure that it does not happen again?
(Con)
My Lords, my apologies; I was certainly writing to answer my
noble friend’s question. I too have worshipped at the al-Aqsa
mosque; it is a sacred site for Muslims. Equally, as we have
heard from the right reverend Prelate, the whole essence of
Jerusalem is important to all three Abrahamic faiths. Respect for
the historic status quo in the holy sites in Jerusalem is also
valid. Any violent action, particularly that which was taken on
the eve of Laylat al-Qadr, is extremely tragic to see unfolding
in a mosque, which is a place of peace. We need to ensure that
the sanctity of places of worship is sustained.
