Bambos Charalambous (Enfield, Southgate) (Lab) (Urgent Question):
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and
Development Affairs if she will make a statement on the killing of
Shireen Abu Aqla. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Vicky Ford) The
United Kingdom Government was shocked to hear of the very sad death
of the respected and renowned journalist Shireen Abu Aqla while
working in the...Request free trial
(Enfield, Southgate)
(Lab)
(Urgent Question): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign,
Commonwealth and Development Affairs if she will make a statement
on the killing of Shireen Abu Aqla.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign,
Commonwealth and Development Affairs ()
The United Kingdom Government was shocked to hear of the very sad
death of the respected and renowned journalist Shireen Abu Aqla
while working in the west bank. On 11 May, the Foreign Secretary
and UK Ministers made clear our concern, and we have called for a
thorough investigation into the events. On 13 May, in company
with the other members of the United Nations Security Council, we
strongly condemned the killing and stressed the importance of an
immediate, thorough, transparent, fair and impartial
investigation. We also stressed the need to ensure
accountability.
The work of journalists across the globe is vital and they must
be protected to carry out their work and defend media freedom. We
were also deeply distressed by the scenes at the funeral of
Shireen Abu Aqla on Friday. Her death was a tragedy and those
mourning must be treated with respect and dignity. The situation
on the ground makes clear the need to make progress towards a
peaceful two-state solution and the UK stands ready to
support.
Shireen Abu Aqla was a veteran correspondent of al-Jazeera’s
Arabic news channel and on Wednesday 11 May she was killed while
covering Israeli army raids in the city of Jenin in the northern
occupied west bank. Her killing has been widely condemned by
world leaders, the UN and civil society, and it has shocked the
world.
The killing of Shireen Abu Aqla was not only an outrageous act,
but an attack on the freedom of the media and the independence of
journalists working around the world, playing a crucial role in
reporting conflicts, seeking truth and telling the stories of
those affected. On Friday, deeply disturbing footage was released
from Shireen’s funeral. The scenes of violence at the funeral
were appalling: Israeli police were seen firing teargas at
mourners and attacking them with batons, almost causing the
pallbearers to drop the coffin and send it crashing to the
ground. The attacks on mourners were indefensible and only
heightened demands for justice and the pain felt by Shireen’s
family.
The Labour party unequivocally condemns the violence by Israeli
forces. International and human rights must be upheld, and we
stand with all those demanding accountability for the killing of
Shireen. There must be an urgent, independent and impartial
inquiry to secure that. More widely, we will continue to support
justice and the protection of the human rights of the Palestinian
people and a sovereign Palestinian state alongside a secure
Israel. Tensions in the region were already high: Israel has seen
a number of deadly terrorist attacks and both Israelis and
Palestinians have been killed in what has been the worst wave of
violence and attacks in Israel in years. We are deeply concerned
that Shireen’s death and the treatment of mourners at her funeral
could spark further cycles of violence.
Has the Minister made any representations to her Israeli
counterparts on the killing of Shireen Abu Aqla? Will she condemn
the violence at Shireen’s funeral? Can she confirm that her
Department will stand up for international and human rights by
encouraging an independent inquiry into Shireen’s killing so that
we can ensure that there is accountability for her death?
I thank the hon. Member for Enfield, Southgate () for his comments. He
is right that Shireen’s death was outrageous and shocked the
world. He is also right to mention the very disturbing scenes at
her funeral. It is so important that mourners are given respect
and dignity, and indeed that the deceased is shown respect and
dignity. That was immediately called out over the weekend by my
fellow Minister, Lord Ahmad.
The hon. Gentleman asked about the investigation and we are
working with other members of the UN Security Council to give
that firm statement that we want an investigation, which needs to
be immediate, thorough and, crucially, impartial.
(Harrow East) (Con)
I thank my hon. Friend for her answer to the urgent question.
Clearly there is a concern that we do not know exactly what
happened on that terrible day when the journalist was killed.
Does my hon. Friend agree that the Government of Israel and the
Palestinian Authority need to co-operate so that there can be a
full and thorough investigation that is seen to be independent?
Does she regret the fact that the Palestinian Authority are
refusing to hand over the bullet that killed the journalist?
My hon. Friend, as ever, is right; it is absolutely key that the
investigation happens swiftly, and that it is thorough and
impartial.
Mr Speaker
I call the SNP spokesperson, Brendan O’Hara.
Brendan O'Hara (Argyll and Bute) (SNP)
We on the SNP Benches unequivocally condemn the murder of Shireen
Abu Aqla, one of the Arab world’s most respected journalists, who
was shot dead by the Israeli army despite wearing full press
coverings, body armour and a helmet. Shireen’s death takes to 50
the number of journalists who have been killed by the Israeli
occupation forces over the past 20 years—deaths for which no one
has ever been held to account. It is therefore absolutely
essential that, along with the EU, the United States and the UN,
all democracies unreservedly condemn the killing, and all who
support a full, impartial and transparent investigation must be
supported.
Does the Minister agree that the investigation should be carried
out by the International Criminal Court, so that the person
responsible for this awful crime can be found, tried and, if
convicted, given an appropriate sentence? What sanction against
Israel does she think would be appropriate in those
circumstances? Finally, will she also unreservedly condemn the
disgraceful actions of the Israeli police when on Friday they
attacked Shireen’s cortege with batons and stun grenades, denying
her even in death any sort of dignity or respect?
The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right that the killing has been
condemned across the world, and indeed by us in the UK. As I have
said, we have called for an immediate, thorough, transparent,
fair and impartial investigation. It is really important that
that happens soon and that it is very thorough. I think that we
were all completely shocked by the scenes at her funeral. We are
deeply concerned about the rise in violent attacks in the area,
and we continue to call for peace, as we always have done;
working to deliver peace is our top priority. She was an
incredibly respected journalist and the hon. Gentleman is right
to point to the risk to journalists across the world. I believe
that across the world 26 journalists have been killed so far this
year, including six in Ukraine—it might even be more since the
last update I received. We must stand for journalists and for
media freedom.
(Clwyd West) (Con)
My hon. Friend is entirely right to express concern about the
scenes at the funeral of Shireen Abu Aqla, but given that there
can be absolutely no doubt as to what happened at the funeral,
when mourners and pallbearers were attacked by Israeli police
officers, will she confirm that the Government have already made
representations to the Israeli authorities expressing concern and
indicating how deplorable those scenes were?
Yes, my right hon. Friend is absolutely right about the
deplorable scenes. We have already stated that we are deeply
disturbed by those scenes, and we are looking at what further
measures might be taken. Most importantly, we continue to call
for urgent steps to de-escalate tensions and for restraint in the
use of force. It is absolutely vital that tensions are reduced
and that we get parties back to dialogue and working towards
peace.
Mr Speaker
Let us help each other by trying to be brief because we have
major pressures afterwards—but I understand the feeling in the
House. I am now going to call the others who put in for the UQ
that unfortunately was not taken. I call .
(Bradford West) (Lab)
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
First, I send my condolences to the family and friends of Shireen
Abu Aqla, a true Palestinian heroine who was brutally shot in the
head and murdered. Let us be clear: this is not a one-off attack
on journalists by Israel. We cannot forget that Israel had a raid
last May on the al-Jalaa building that hosted Al Jazeera and the
Associated Press office. This is not just the story of Shireen
either, but many other journalists, including the 55 Palestinian
journalists killed since 2000. How can the Palestinians have any
faith in Israel to hand over any bullet and with this whitewash
of an idea that they are going to investigate when nobody has
been held to account over lots and lots of years? What
representations are the Minister and this Government making to
their Israeli counterparts to make sure that we get justice on
this occasion, not just for Shireen but for all the Palestinians
who are continually being brutalised?
The UK is very concerned by the number of Palestinians who have
been killed by Israeli security forces in recent weeks. We
continue to urge for thorough and transparent investigations into
the deaths of Palestinian civilians and call again for restraint
in the use of force.
(Harlow) (Con)
Is my hon. Friend aware that 19 Israelis, not including foreign
nationals, have also been killed by terrorism since 21 March, and
that Jewish lives, and Israeli lives, matter as much as the life
of the journalist who tragically lost her life? Is she also aware
that a Hamas leader recently incited the Palestinians to act in
ways of terrorism with the use of the knife and the gun? What is
she doing to help the Israelis to combat terrorism and these
awful murders of Israeli citizens?
This is an important point. Israel does have a legitimate right
to self-defence and the right to defend its citizens from attack,
but it is absolutely vital that all actions are proportionate and
in line with international humanitarian law, and they must make
every effort to avoid civilian casualties.
(Liverpool, Riverside)
(Lab)
I send my condolences to Shireen’s family, friends and colleagues
at Al Jazeera. She was unlawfully killed while doing the job she
loved and was greatly respected for, while clearly identified as
a journalist, in what can only be described as a targeted attack
for reporting actions of Israeli forces in the occupied territory
of Jenin. Does the Minister agree that an international criminal
court should undertake a full independent, not just impartial,
investigation, and that swift action should be taken to bring
those responsible to justice?
I thank the hon. Member for reminding us that there are family
and friends involved. I add my condolences and those of the
Government to the family and friends of Shireen. In losing such a
talented person in such an awful situation, my thoughts are with
them. We have called for an immediate investigation that does
need to be fair and impartial, because it needs to have the trust
of all those in the area. That is why it is so important that it
happens soon.
(Reigate) (Con)
I draw the attention of the House to my declaration in the
register as a founder director of the International Centre of
Justice for Palestinians. In that respect, I have since then
avoided engagement on Palestinian issues in this House. However,
this Opposition urgent question about the killing of journalist
Shireen Abu Aqla, almost certainly by a targeted shot coming from
the forces who are in illegal occupation of a Palestinian
territory, allows me to ask how long we must wait for the United
Kingdom to actually do anything to enforce accountability on the
state of Israel for its gross and worsening breach, over 55
years, of the fourth Geneva convention, while noting the shaming
contrast with our own brave and principled policy towards
Ukraine.
My hon. Friend is right to be concerned. The UK Government are
very concerned about the very fragile security situation in
Jerusalem. We continue to call on all parties to de-escalate
tensions. The British ambassador to Israel and the British
consulate general in Jerusalem have been engaging with Israeli
and Palestinian leaderships to support them in restoring calm. We
have made it clear that there is a need to protect holy sites.
This sort of horrific violence against civilians is truly
contemptible. We absolutely call on all sides to de-escalate the
situation and come to the dialogue tables to work towards
peace.
(Birmingham, Selly Oak)
(Lab)
I acknowledge my role as chair of Labour Friends of Israel. The
killing and the events at the funeral are shocking by any
standards. I absolutely condemn what happened at the funeral, but
as I understand it Shireen Abu Aqla was killed during a gun
battle; the facts have not yet been established, and the
Palestinians have rejected an offer of a joint investigation with
the Israelis. Surely in this place it helps no one to state as
fact what people want or feel inclined to believe. Will the
Minister do everything to offer British resources and assistance
to ensure that an independent, impartial investigation is
established, and that we participate in it, if that would be
helpful?
We are not only calling for that investigation but working with
other members of the UN Security Council on that joint statement
from countries around the world strongly condemning the killing
and stressing the importance of the investigation.
(Meon Valley) (Con)
Shireen Abu Aqla has been referred to as the voice of events in
Palestine as part of a much-needed open and free press, but there
are fears that her killing will spark refreshed conflict in the
west bank. Can my hon. Friend assure the House that if anything
can come from this tragedy, it is that it is the Government’s
priority to secure peace in the region?
Our priority in the region has always been to work towards peace;
that is why it is vital that tensions are de-escalated now. That
is what we are urging the authorities to do on the ground:
de-escalate, come back to dialogue and work towards peace.
(Sunderland Central)
(Lab)
I acknowledge my role as chair of Labour Friends of Palestine and
the Middle East and of the Britain-Palestine all-party
parliamentary group. Will the Minister state exactly how the
Government intend to support an impartial investigation, which
needs to be independent? Under this Government this country has a
poor track record on impartial investigations, including on the
issue of the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court,
which the Prime Minister opposed, as well as the UN commission of
inquiry report on Gaza, from which the UK abstained.
The immediate actions that we have taken have been, first, to
condemn the situation and then to work with the UN Security
Council on that joint statement of condemnation which also calls
for the investigation. We are obviously using our own diplomatic
links both in Israel and in Jerusalem, engaging with the
leaderships; and, of course, we will always look at what further
measures should be taken.
(Brigg and Goole) (Con)
The Minister is right to condemn the recent terror attacks on
innocent Israelis, which are increasingly being directed from the
west bank by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. She is also
right to condemn this killing and to express her belief, which we
all share, that journalists should be allowed to report anywhere
safely. However, too many people, for whatever reason—sinister or
otherwise—have already determined what the facts are, and did so
as soon as the story broke. I urge my hon. Friend once again to
ensure that the UK Government’s position continues to be in
support of an independent inquiry, and emphasise that any
inquiry, if it is to be worth anything at all, will require the
buy-in of both the Israeli Government and the Palestinian
Authority, or else it will simply become a political dividing
line.
That is precisely why it is so important that the UN Security
Council has described in such detail the need for the
investigation to be immediate, thorough, transparent and fair, as
well as impartial.
(Oxford West and Abingdon)
(LD)
Shireen Abu Aqla was a Christian Palestinian like my family, and
her death feels like we have lost a sister. The scenes from the
funeral were deeply upsetting, but the Minister may be aware that
the Israeli police were trying to segregate the Christians from
the Muslims in their mourning. Indeed, the day before they had
stormed Shireen’s house. They went in, disturbed the wake and
took a Palestinian flag from the room. It is disgraceful, and it
is a clear provocation. I ask the Minister simply this: has she
summoned the Israeli ambassador to make it clear how unhelpful to
the peace process this is?
We have made very clear the need to restore calm, we have made it
very clear that we condemn this action and we will always look at
what further steps should be taken.
(Vale of Glamorgan) (Con)
Shireen Abu Aqla was a respected journalist, and I thank the
Minister for her statement. I am pleased at the role the UK
played, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, in
securing unanimity in its condemnation. Does the Minister share
my concerns about what this means to the relationship between the
Palestinian and Israeli communities over the long term, and does
she agree that the best action in memory of Shireen Abu Aqla
would be an open and transparent investigation participated in by
all parties?
My right hon. Friend is absolutely right. As I said in my opening
statement, both those who mourn her and she herself should be
treated with respect and dignity. Again, that is another reason
why this investigation needs to be so thorough. It needs to be
deep, it needs to fair, it needs to be impartial and it needs to
happen soon. We are very concerned about the escalating tensions
we have seen over recent weeks and months with increased
violence, and it is really important to fight for calm rather
than see more violence.
(Bradford East) (Lab)
The reality remains that every time a Palestinian child is born
there is one certainty—that in life they will face persecution,
oppression and humiliation at the hands of an occupying Israeli
military. However, the soul-shattering scenes we saw last week,
with the funeral procession of Shireen Abu Aqla brutally attacked
by the Israeli security forces, now mean that they will be
stripped of their dignity in death as well. Yet again, all the
international community and this Government do is offer empty
words, so I ask the Minister: just what are this Government
waiting for, and why will they not immediately recognise the
state of Palestine? What message are this Government sending to
Palestinians, who have now been stripped of their dignity in life
and death?
We consistently call for an immediate end to all actions of
violence, and we immediately call out—and continue to do
so—against all actions that undermine the viability of a
two-state solution. We are also a key development actor in the
region, especially working to lift the overall standards of
living for Palestinians and to meet humanitarian needs. The hon.
Member asks about recognising a Palestinian state. We will
recognise a Palestinian state at the time when it best serves the
objective of peace, because achieving peace is our primary
objective.
(Buckingham) (Con)
I draw the House’s attention to my entry in the Register of
Members’ Financial Interests in relation to a recent delegation
to Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
As has already been stated, the Palestinian Authority have so far
refused to participate in a joint investigation into the tragic
death of Shireen Abu Aqla. An initial autopsy has found that it
is not possible to tell whether she was killed by Israeli or
Palestinian gunfire. Facts matter, so does my hon. Friend agree
that those who, for whatever reason, are jumping to blame Israel
will only deepen division and make peace harder to achieve?
It is really important that there is a proper investigation—a
thorough, fair and impartial investigation—but I repeat that we
are concerned by the number of Palestinians who have been killed
by Israeli security forces in recent weeks, and we urge thorough
and transparent investigations into the deaths of civilians as
well. It is really important that there is restraint in the use
of force, and we will continue to say that again and again.
(Edinburgh South West)
(SNP)
A constituent of mine who went to school with Shireen Abu Aqla
has been in touch to share her sense of helplessness at what
seems to be yet another state-sanctioned killing in the occupied
territories. She said to me at the weekend that it seems to her
that it is always incumbent on the Palestinians to prove their
innocence and fight for basic human sympathy for the events that
befall them. I fully accept that the killing has to be
investigated independently, but having regard to what
followed—the raiding of the home, the appalling behaviour of the
Israeli authorities at the funeral—can the Minister please answer
the question she was asked earlier: will she summon the Israeli
ambassador? Clearly, the Minister feels outrage at what has
happened—she has been very honest about that—so will she summon
the Israeli ambassador to communicate her outrage?
We have been very clear that we have condemned this killing. We
absolutely share the hon. and learned Member’s concern for the
distressing and disturbing scenes at the funeral. We have called
for a thorough investigation, we have called for respect and
dignity, and we call for all parties to reduce the tensions and
to come and work together towards peace. Delivering peace is what
Shireen would have wanted and is what we all want.
(Lichfield) (Con)
As the hon. Member for Birmingham, Selly Oak (), the chairman of Labour
Friends of Israel, said earlier, this was in the middle of a gun
battle between Israeli forces and Palestinian forces. The Labour
Friends of Israel chairman is right, and my hon. Friend the
Member for Buckingham () is also right in saying that
the initial autopsy—which was conducted by the Palestinian
authorities, not the Israeli authorities—said that it was
impossible because the bullet removed was a 5.56x45 mm NATO round
used both by the Israelis and the Palestinians. Therefore, may I
ask my hon. Friend the Minister to ensure and put pressure to
ensure that this is an independent inquiry, because justice must
not only be done, but be seen to be done?
My hon. Friend is right about justice: justice is really
important. We absolutely condemn this killing and will continue
to stress the need for the investigation to be fair, impartial,
thorough and prompt.
(Hayes and Harlington)
(Lab)
I am secretary of the National Union of Journalists parliamentary
group and we have raised these issues before, but, with regard to
this killing, let us put it in the context of the systematic
abuse of Palestinian journalists. The International Federation of
Journalists already a month ago referred these incidents to the
International Criminal Court. May I therefore, in that context,
and in view of the happenings subsequent to the killing, which
were disgraceful, repeat the question for the third time? The
minimal action any Government can take is to call the ambassador
in to express the concerns of the Government about the Israeli
state’s behaviour, so can we ask for the third time: have the
Government invited, or do they intend to invite, the Israeli
ambassador to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
for that discussion?
I have been very clear about the actions the Government have
taken to date. We continue to condemn this, we have called for an
investigation, we have, through our ambassadors and the British
consul in Israel and in Jerusalem, made very clear our position
supporting the leaders to restore calm, the need to protect holy
sites and the need for dialogue to move towards peace, and of
course we always take any future measures into consideration.
(Walthamstow) (Lab/Co-op)
The Minister will have heard Members across the House calling for
not just an impartial investigation, but an independent
investigation. I will tell her why it matters: because in this
modern world, independent fact checkers have been able to put
together compelling, open-source evidence that points clearly to
the responsibility of the Israeli forces for the murder of
Shireen Abu Aqla. Given that, will the Minister confirm that the
UK’s official position is that there should be an independent
inquiry, not just an impartial one, so that the Israelis and the
Palestinians can both have confidence in the outcomes? Will she
clarify that: yes or no?
I think that it is really important that we work with partners
across the world through the UN Security Council. It is the UN
Security Council’s wording, agreed among all those countries,
that calls for an impartial investigation. That is the wording
that has been agreed by the UN Security Council.
(Manchester, Gorton) (Lab)
I find it heartbreaking that, after decades of violence, illegal
occupation, demolition of Palestinian homes and complete
disregard for human rights, the UK has failed in its obligation
and duty to recognise the state of Palestine. It took the Foreign
Secretary more than 24 hours to put out a statement after the
murder of al-Jazeera’s esteemed journalist Shireen Abu Aqla. What
message does that send to those responsible for Shireen’s tragic
murder? In the light of the history, why are the Government not
pushing for a full independent inquiry? Given the close
relationship between the UK and Israel, now, for the fourth time
of asking, will the Minister summon the Israeli ambassador to
demonstrate the outrage at the behaviour of security forces
during Shireen’s funeral?
Shireen’s death was a true tragedy and we have condemned it. On
11 May, the Foreign Secretary condemned it. We have also worked
very rapidly with our colleagues at the UN Security Council to
deliver the joint statement of condemnation and to call for the
investigation that I have mentioned. We continue to press for
peace. We saw those very distressing images at the funeral and
will always look at what further steps should be taken.
(Easington) (Lab)
I refer to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial
Interests, including my role as co-chair of the cross-party
National Union of Journalists group and on various Palestinian
groups. I want the Minister and Members to imagine for a moment
attending the funeral of a family member or friend. In what
circumstances would what we witnessed on our TV screens happening
to the pallbearers carrying the coffin be reasonable or
proportionate? How can it be acceptable for the police or
security services of any nation to attack pallbearers to the
extent that the coffin falls on the ground? Not only do we call
for the Minister’s condemnation, but, for a fifth time, I call on
her to summon the Israeli ambassador here to account for her
actions.
I have attended many funerals in my life, from early childhood,
and that is one that will always stay with me. Mourners should
always be treated with respect and dignity. Shireen and her
family should have been treated with respect and dignity. We
totally condemn her death and the manner in which she died. We
believe that this really urgent investigation is needed to help
to rebuild peace. That must be our priority.
Mr Speaker
I call .
(Dwyfor Meirionnydd)
(PC)
Diolch yn fawr, Mr Llefarydd. The International Federation of
Journalists’ complaint to the ICC about the treatment of
Palestinian journalists is about not only protecting the human
rights of journalists, but safeguarding the work that they do as
a profession to protect collective human rights. The Secretary of
State has spoken many times about the need for an independent and
impartial investigation. To ensure that independence and
impartiality, will she support the IFJ’s complaint to the
International Criminal Court to ensure those very virtues?
As I said, we have been working with our friends and other
members of the UN Security Council on the joint statement about
the investigation. I do not have any further details that I can
share with the right hon. Member at present.
(Coventry South) (Lab)
As if the ongoing dispossession and discrimination faced by the
Palestinian people was not enough cruelty, Israel continuously
targets Palestinian journalists. There is not only the murder by
Israeli snipers of Shireen Abu Aqla, who for decades bravely
reported the crimes inflicted on her people. Since 2000, Israel
has killed an estimated 51 Palestinian journalists and an
independent UN commission of inquiry found that, during the 2018
march of return, Israeli snipers intentionally shot Palestinian
journalists who were clearly marked as such, killing Yasser
Murtaja and Ahmed Abu Hussein. What will it take for the
Government to stop equivocating over these horrific crimes and
hold Israel to account for its routine violations of
international humanitarian law? And for the seventh time, will
the Minister summon the Israeli ambassador?
We stand by journalists all across the world and it is a tragedy
that so many journalists have been killed in recent years, and
particularly this year. That is why we continue to raise issues
of media freedom on the global stage. In February in Estonia, we
announced support for the secretariat for the Media Freedom
Coalition, which we founded and which now has 52 members. We will
absolutely stand for media freedom and for journalists all across
the world.
(Glasgow North West)
(SNP)
It is important that the Minister has condemned this killing this
afternoon and I thank her for doing so several times. Many of us
are puzzled by her reluctance to summon the Israeli ambassador;
that seems like the first step that should have been taken. Will
the Government now commit to supporting the International
Criminal Court investigations into not only this incident, but
the wider behaviour of the Israeli Defence Forces in the occupied
territories?
Not only have we worked with other members of the UN Security
Council in strongly condemning this incident and needing to have
this investigation, as I have mentioned, but we have been very
clear that we are very concerned about other incidents of
Palestinian civilians being killed by Israeli security forces in
recent weeks. We continue to urge further transparent
investigations of those killings as well.
(Hammersmith) (Lab)
Another journalist is murdered in occupied Palestine. Next, the
occupying power raids her family home, and then its forces
brutally attack pallbearers and mourners at Shireen’s funeral. In
the light of that, the Government’s response has been pathetic
and inadequate. The Minister will not even call for an
independent investigation—that is, independent of the Israeli
forces, who have whitewashed previous deaths in this way. Will
she do that? Will she say what single step the Government have
taken—not said, but taken—to oppose the occupation of Palestine,
which is at the root of this violence? Will they recognise
Palestine? Will they ban trade with illegal settlements? Will
they sign up to the ICC inquiry? If not, her words are completely
empty.
As I have said really clearly, we have led work at the UN to make
sure that there is a joint statement not just from us, but from
the entire security—
Answer the question!
I am answering the question—please do not heckle me.
This is a tragic death—a really tragic death. We have led the
work at the United Nations to put the pressure on to make sure,
to the best extent that we can, that this investigation happens,
that it is fair and transparent, and therefore, to use the word
that the UN has used—I will repeat this, because it is the word
from the statement—that it is “impartial”. The hon. Gentleman
asked about the settlements. We are very clear that settlements
are illegal under international law. They call into question
Israel’s commitment to the two-state solution. We urge Israel to
halt its settlement expansion—that threatens the viability of a
Palestinian state—and we will continue, always, to press for
peace.
(Hackney North and Stoke
Newington) (Lab)
Does the Minister appreciate that everyone in this House regrets
the killing of men and women in Israel, whether they are Israeli
or Palestinian? It is quite wrong to imply anything else. There
has been talk of the necessity of establishing the facts. Does
she appreciate that the facts of the terrible scenes at Shireen’s
funeral are beyond doubt? Millions of people around the world
have seen those images. Finally, does she understand that it is
no use telling us that Shireen’s death is a tragedy? We know
that. We will take her words seriously only when she commits this
afternoon, in this House, to calling the Israeli ambassador to
the Foreign Office. Otherwise, her words are just words.
The right hon. Lady is absolutely right that all deaths in this
situation are a total tragedy. What happened at Shireen’s funeral
should not have happened. I cannot give further comment at this
point; I have told her what we are doing, and that Ministers
always consider what further steps can be taken. Our fundamental
priority must be to continue urging a de-escalation of tensions,
an end to violence and a pathway to peace.
(Bedford) (Lab)
The murder of Shireen Abu Aqla and the attacks on mourners at her
funeral have shocked the world. It is not enough to condemn those
actions; we must take action. When will the UK Government stop
authorising arms sales to Israel, as we know they are killing
innocent Palestinians?
We take the export of arms extremely seriously. As has been said
many times in this House, the United Kingdom has one of the most
robust arms export control regimes anywhere in the world. I hope
all hon. and right hon. Members would agree that the important
thing now is to call on all parties to de-escalate the tensions
and to work towards peace.
(City of Chester)
(Lab)
In the Minister’s statement and subsequent answers, she mentioned
her attempts to get a statement at the United Nations. The
problem is that Israel has consistently ignored any critical
statements coming out of the UN, and has even sought to undermine
the legitimacy of the UN and other international institutions.
Why does she think this time will be any different?
It is important that voices from across the world have condemned
this awful deed.
(Streatham) (Lab)
This is not the first time this has happened; nor will it be the
last. Under occupation, Palestinians’ human rights are abused,
and as we have seen, they cannot even bury their dead with
dignity. Does the Minister understand that until we have a
lasting peace, we will not tackle the situation at its root? Does
she understand that although the UK has committed to a two-state
solution, we cannot have two states if only one is recognised?
Perhaps she would like to reconsider her answer to my hon. Friend
the Member for Bradford East () and tell us when exactly
she will recognise the Palestinian state.
It is clear that unilateral recognition, by itself, will not end
the occupation. We need the parties to come to talks and to work
towards peace.
(Nottingham East) (Lab)
The killing of Shireen Abu Aqla by the Israeli military and the
subsequent attack on her funeral in Jerusalem demonstrate the
reality of the occupation of the west bank. Amnesty International
has said that it constitutes apartheid, which is a crime against
humanity as defined in the Rome statute and the apartheid
convention. Will the Minister not only condemn this act of
inhumanity but commit now to summoning the Israeli ambassador?
Will she take steps to ensure that the UK ceases all arms trade
with Israel, and to ensure that Britain is not complicit in the
illegal occupation of Palestine?
I have already stated many times the actions that we are taking.
Of course Ministers consider, at all times, what further steps
might be taken.
(Warwick and Leamington)
(Lab)
I have had a great many letters from my constituents since the
brutal murder of Shireen Abu Aqla, as have, I am sure, many other
Members from across the House. They are saddened. They are
sickened by the scenes at her funeral. They are also deeply angry
about the lack of reaction. The Minister said the word
“impartial”, but can she not press the Government to push for an
independent investigation into this death? Will she please place
on record for the House the dates and agendas of the meetings she
has had with the Israeli ambassador? We need some sort of
resolution, and to establish a two-state solution in that
land.
The most important thing about the investigation is that it be
accountable and ensures that those who carried out this act be
held to account. That is why we worked towards wording that says
it should be immediate, thorough, transparent, fair and
impartial; and the most important thing is accountability. I
cannot, from the Dispatch Box, tell the hon. Gentleman what
meetings I have had, as I am not the Minister with responsibility
for the middle east, but I am sure that we can follow up in
writing.
(Middlesbrough) (Lab)
Surely the appalling desecration of the funeral of Shireen Abu
Aqla is evidence, if any more were needed, of the crime of
apartheid that is being inflicted on the Palestinian people and
has been rigorously documented by Human Rights Watch, Amnesty
International and the Israeli human rights organisation B’Tselem.
Instead of passing laws to ban local authorities and civil
society from taking action against this brutal occupation, is it
not time to accept the legal analysis of those human rights
organisations, and do the right and moral thing and impose
sanctions in response to this appalling criminality?
I am afraid I need to disagree with the hon. Gentleman, because
we do not believe that boycotts, divestment or sanctions would
help to create an atmosphere conducive to peace. I note that he
used the word apartheid. We do not use that terminology, and we
do not agree with its use, because it is a legal term, and a
judgment on whether it can be used under international law needs
to come through a judicial decision; that is really important.
One thing I agree with him on, however, is that civil society
always plays an important part in a democracy.
(Coatbridge, Chryston and
Bellshill) (SNP)
The sad reality is that the horrific murder of Shireen is just
another tragedy in 74 years of unaddressed ethnic cleansing of
the Palestinian people, yet rather than sanction Israel for that
behaviour, 55 years after occupation began, the UK Government are
busy strengthening relations with it through new trade deals. I
ask the Minister, for the first time: why will she not summon the
ambassador of Israel to the Foreign Office?
The most important thing we need to do is try to work towards
peace. That is why we condemn this incident and are working for
it to be condemned internationally, and why we called for the
investigation. We want people to be held to account. That is why
we are working with our ambassadors and the British Council in
Jerusalem in Israel to try to de-escalate tensions.
(Halifax) (Lab)
We know that Shireen was wearing a press vest and helmet, yet in
addressing the circumstances of her murder, an Israeli military
spokesperson said:
“They’re armed with cameras, if you’ll permit me to say so.”
Will the Minister be unequivocal in her support for journalists
and transparency in Palestine, condemn any sense that to carry a
camera is to be armed, and reaffirm that respect for a free press
should be fundamental in any state calling itself a
democracy?
The United Kingdom stands on the side of journalists all around
the world, wherever they are. Media freedom is a vital part of
our democracy and our freedom as individuals, and we stand for
journalists.
(Strangford) (DUP)
May I first declare an interest as a member of a Friends of
Israel group? May I also thank the Minister for her response to
the urgent question? I have seen innocent bystanders killed on
numerous occasions in Northern Ireland. As the Minister will
know, similarities are being drawn with Lyra KcKee, a journalist
reporting on the unrest in 2019 who was killed by the new IRA.
Does the Minister not agree that the loss of life is truly
tragic, and that all possible steps must be taken to ensure the
safety of those who seek to report the news from an unbiased
position? What steps does she feel her Department can take to
send that message internationally?
We absolutely continue to call out attacks against journalists
and media internationally. The hon. Gentleman is right to point
out that attacks against journalists have happened in the United
Kingdom in our history, and I remember that particular tragedy
well. We are one of the leading countries in the world standing
for media freedom. We founded the Media Freedom Coalition; it now
has 52 members, and we should like to see more.
(Rutherglen and Hamilton
West) (Ind)
I send my condolences to the family and colleagues of Shireen Abu
Aqla. Can the Minister confirm that, contrary to the statement of
the Israeli military spokesperson, the fact that a journalist is
armed with a camera does not make that journalist a target?
Journalists should never be targets.
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