Conflict in Gaza:
Iran
(Burnley) (Con)
10. What assessment he has made of the implications for his
policies of Iran's role in the conflict in Gaza.(902571)
The Deputy Foreign Secretary (Mr )
Iran's support for proscribed groups operating in Gaza, such as
Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, compromises our efforts
towards a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza.
Iran continues to operate in violation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of
Action Its nuclear programme is way beyond anything needed
for purely peaceful processes. However, it does not end there:
Iran is threatening journalists on UK streets, and its proxies in
Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis continue to inflict tragedy on
the region. What is my right hon. Friend's assessment of whether
the JCPOA is still fit for purpose?
Mr Mitchell
My hon. Friend makes a good point. Alongside international
partners, we are prepared to use all options available to tackle
the difficulties that he describes, including triggering the UN
snapback and ending the JCPOA if necessary.
Dr (Central Ayrshire)
(SNP)
As probably the only Member who has actually lived and worked in
Gaza, I must say that I have been heartbroken over the past six
months by what I am hearing from friends and colleagues there
about the almost total destruction of the healthcare system and
the impact of widespread starvation on their patients. With the
UK having defunded the United Nations Relief and Works Agency,
still supplying arms to Israel, and often defending Netanyahu's
policies, is the Minister not anxious that the UK Government are
undermining international law itself?
Mr Mitchell
No. The hon. Lady will have seen how, in respect of UN Security
Council resolutions 2720 and 2728, Britain's diplomacy worked to
move people into a common position. We are very clear about the
importance of getting aid into Gaza and getting the hostages out,
and all British policy is bent, without fear or favour, towards
achieving that.
