Israel and Gaza: Ceasefire
12:38:00
(Caerphilly) (Lab) (Urgent Question)
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and
Development Affairs if he will make a statement on the UK
Government’s efforts to secure a ceasefire in Israel and Gaza.
The Minister for the Middle East and North Africa ()
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, who 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.
Mr Speaker
I remind people that there are set times that we have to try to
stick to.
It is of enormous concern to everyone in the House that in this
conflict between Hamas and Israel nearly 300 people have been
killed, including 65 children. This is truly appalling. We
condemn the rocket attacks by Hamas and the Israeli airstrikes,
which have killed so many innocent people and severely damaged
schools and medical facilities.
I listened carefully to what the Minister had to say regarding
the Government’s position and his statement in favour of an
immediate ceasefire. We have heard in the last few hours that the
French and Jordanian Governments are making real efforts to bring
about a UN resolution that would help to secure an immediate
ceasefire. We have heard that there have been discussions with
the Egyptians and the Germans. The name of the United Kingdom
Government has not been mentioned.
I ask the Minister whether he would care to elaborate on what
representations he has recently made to secure the objective of
an immediate ceasefire. Could I also press him on what efforts
his Government are making to provide humanitarian support for the
people of Gaza? I urge the Government to do everything they can
to restart a meaningful peace process as a matter of urgency.
If further conflagrations are to be prevented, we need a process
that will uphold international law, end the illegal occupation of
the Palestinian territories and create a viable Palestinian state
alongside a secure Israel.
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his recognition of the diplomatic
work that the UK Government have put in. I can assure him that we
remain fully committed to an immediate ceasefire, and we are
working to that end. As I have said, the Foreign Secretary spoke
with his Jordanian opposite number only a few days ago, and I
spoke to ambassadors from the region this morning.
Some of the diplomatic efforts are done, quite rightly, very
visibly through institutions such as the United Nations. Some—I
am sure the hon. Gentleman will understand why—are perhaps done
more discreetly and quietly. The international community is
pulling together, both in the region and in Europe and the United
States, to try to bring about a meaningful ceasefire and work
towards what can only be the right way of bringing permanent
peace to the region, which is through negotiated political means.
(Chipping
Barnet) (Con)
Israel has the right to defend its citizens from terrorist
attack, and I welcome the Minister’s strong confirmation of that
this morning. Will he go further, however, and send a message
about terrorism by proscribing the whole of Hamas as well as the
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which is making possible these
horrific rocket attacks?
I thank my right hon. Friend for the points that she has made.
She will know that the military wing of Hamas is recognised
internationally as a terrorist organisation, and the entirety of
Hamas has no contact—we have a no-contact policy—from the UK
Government. We enjoy good working relationships with the
leadership of the Palestinian Authority. Solutions need to be
achieved—they must be—through negotiated political means, rather
than through military means. She will also understand that we do
not speculate on future proscriptions.
(Dundee West) (SNP) [V]
We are witnessing the second week of horrific violence in Israel
and Palestine. It has been reported that 10 have been killed by
Hamas, and more than 200 have been killed by Israeli airstrikes,
including 65 children. The SNP abhors all indiscriminate violence
against civilians so, first, what further steps can the UK
Government take in demanding an immediate ceasefire? I am
incredibly proud that last month my city of Dundee voted to
recognise Palestine as a nation state so, secondly, will the UK
Government commit today to recognising Palestine as an equal and
independent nation state?
The UN Secretary-General has accused the Israeli Government of
acting contrary to their obligations under human rights law.
Indeed, Amnesty International has highlighted potential war crime
by both Israel and Hamas, so, thirdly, what pressures are the UK
Government bringing to bear to investigate these shocking
breaches? Lastly, UK arms export licences to Israel have
increased by over 1,000% in the past two years. This is not
neutrality, so, finally, will the UK Government immediately
suspend those exports until they have been thoroughly examined?
I urge the hon. Gentleman, for whom I have a huge amount of
respect, not to equate the legitimate Government of Israel with a
terrorist organisation—the military wing of Hamas. As I have said
at the Dispatch Box a number of times, Israel has a right to
self-defence, but we have made it clear that we expect at all
times for it to exercise that in accordance with international
humanitarian law, and make every effort to minimise casualties.
Ultimately, the best way of minimising civilian casualties is to
bring this conflict to a conclusion. That is why we are working
with both the Palestinian leadership and the Government of
Israel, and with our international partners, both in the region
and further afield, to bring this conflict to a timely end, and
work towards a more permanent ceasefire and, ultimately, a
peaceful two-state solution.
(Harlow) (Con) [V]
Reports indicate that at least 500 Hamas rockets—one in seven of
the total number fired—have exploded within Gaza. A Palestinian
non-governmental organisation has confirmed that eight
Palestinians were killed last week by a rocket that fell short.
Does my right hon. Friend agree that Hamas rocket fire not only
threatens Israelis, but causes grave harm to ordinary Gazans and
must be condemned in the strongest possible terms? Would he also
acknowledge that, far from being able to negotiate with a
democratic Palestinian Government, Israel is facing existential
threats from Hamas and Hezbollah, extreme Islamist terrorist
organisations funded and backed by Iran, and that there should be
no moral equivalence between democratic Israel and the terrorism
of Hamas and Hezbollah?
The UK enjoys good relations with both the Government of Israel
and the Palestinian Authority. I urge all Members of the House
and those further afield to recognise that Hamas, the military
wing of which is recognised as a terrorist organisation, is no
friend of the Palestinian people. We will work with the
leadership of both the Palestinians and the Israelis, alongside
our friends and partners internationally, for peace. Ultimately,
nobody wants to continue seeing images of fatalities—either
Palestinians or Israelis.
(Oxford
West and Abingdon) (LD) [V]
Last week, I read the names of four of the then 14 Palestinian
children and one Israeli child who had died. A week on, the
number of Palestinian children dead is now 63 in Gaza alone. My
heart was broken before; it is shattered now.
We need a ceasefire. The UK should not have left it to France to
be the main sponsor of a UN resolution calling for it. This
Government are shirking their historic responsibility and it is
time to step up. Today, I wear my keffiyeh in recognition that if
we want lasting peace, we cannot go back to how things were
before: the police brutality, the demolitions and the oppression.
We need a peace process that is not doomed before it begins. If
this Government are committed to a lasting peace, why do they not
recognise the state of Palestine?
I recognise the hon. Lady’s passion for the Palestinian people
and her own background. I completely understand how painful it is
for her in particular, and for all of us, to see images of those
who have lost their lives. I can assure her that we are working
with international partners, both at the United Nations and more
broadly, to bring about peace. When I last stood at the Dispatch
Box and responded to her urgent question, I made the point that
the UK was pushing towards a cessation of violence and a
ceasefire and that we are absolutely committed to a meaningful
two-state solution.
Palestinian recognition is, rightly, an issue to be debated in
this House, but at this point our focus is relentlessly on
bringing about an immediate end to the conflict so that we can
work in good time to a negotiated political solution and a
two-state solution for the benefit of both the Israeli and the
Palestinian peoples.
(Kensington)
(Con)
I welcome my right hon. Friend’s statement and the commitment to
a two-state solution. Will he update the House on the extent to
which we are using our presidency of the G7 to help to broker
international consensus for a ceasefire?
We are using all our diplomatic contacts and our diplomatic
leverage. Understandably, the United Nations is the predominant
multilateral body through which we are working, but I spoke to a
meeting of the Arab ambassadors just this morning. We are
ambivalent as to which organisation helps to bring about peace
and will work with whomever, wherever we feel able to apply
positivity. I assure my hon. Friend that we will leave no stone
unturned in our efforts to bring about an end to this conflict.
(Ealing
Central and Acton) (Lab)
The sad aftermath of a tragedy in which children who are pulled
from the rubble are considered lucky among a three-figure death
toll is—the Minister said it himself—people newly displaced from
their homes, double refugees and destroyed schools, hospitals and
cultural centres, all at a time when we are cutting our aid
contribution internationally. Does he agree with his two recent
predecessors, and , that although
UK Government policy is against illegal settlements and for a
two-state solution, our long-standing lack of proactivity
sometimes makes it look as if we do not really mean that? The
only real victor in all this is Netanyahu. Until recently he was
a caretaker leader after an inconclusive election; he has now
well cemented himself.
The outcome of democratic elections in the state of Israel is for
the Israeli people. We will continue to work with the Governments
elected by the Israeli people. It strikes me, however, that that
is an important but fundamentally different issue to the subject
of the urgent question. We will work with international partners,
the Israelis and the Palestinians to bring peace to the region,
both in terms of this specific conflict, which we seek to resolve
as quickly as possible, and, ultimately, for a sustainable
prosperous two-state solution. That remains the UK Government’s
policy.
(Preseli
Pembrokeshire) (Con)
Iran’s role in this conflict is just one more example of Iranian
efforts to undermine peace and stability throughout the middle
east via its proxy terror group allies. Given that it was exactly
that kind of behaviour that many warned was a blind spot in the
Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action agreement, what assurances can
my right hon. Friend give today that the current discussions on
resuscitating the agreement will not just repeat that mistake all
over again and give a free pass to Iran to continue re-arming its
Hamas allies?
My right hon. Friend makes an incredibly important point. We
recognise that in our desire to prevent Iran acquiring a nuclear
weapon we cannot be blind to its broader regional destabilising
activity. That will remain one of the UK’s priorities. It is
regularly raised with me by my interlocuters in the region and I
can assure him that that will be at the forefront of our minds
throughout the forthcoming negotiations.
(Leeds East) (Lab)
How many more Palestinian children have to be killed? How many
more Palestinian homes have to be reduced to rubble? How many
more Palestinian schools and hospitals have to be bombed before
the British Government take the action necessary to force the
Israeli Government finally to stop their war on the Palestinian
people? Surely now is the time for all UK weapons sales to Israel
to be stopped. Surely now is the time for sanctions on the
Israeli Government for their repeated violations of international
law. Surely now is the time—this House voted for it back in
2014—to recognise the state of Palestine, because Palestine has
the right to exist.
I remind the hon. Gentleman of the sequencing of the events that
unfolded in Gaza and Israel. Israel’s actions were in response to
indiscriminate rocket attacks from an internationally recognised
terrorist organisation. Israel has the right to self-defence. We
have urged it at every step to do so proportionately and to take
every step it is able to take to minimise civilian casualties. I
am sure that like me he is horrified when we see images of
fatalities, whether they be Israeli or Palestinian, and that is
why, while the issue of recognition is important, it is not for
now. Now is about bringing this conflict to an end.
(Bournemouth East) (Con)
I welcome the Minister’s statement, but given our history and our
legacy, could Britain lean into this more? We called for a
ceasefire. Let us ask the United States to join us there as well.
It is difficult to see how any tactical or strategic advantage
could be gained by either side from continuing this conflict.
Once we get to a ceasefire, the old legacy challenges will remain
and Israel will require a partner to work with. My concern is
that Palestinian elections have not taken place for about 16
years and Hamas is now supported by the Iranians. It has no
interest in working with Fatah in the west bank, let alone the
Israelis. Does my right hon. Friend agree that perhaps the
neighbouring Muslim countries, particularly those that have just
signed the Abraham accords, could be invited to help to encourage
Palestinians to hold fresh elections, so that we get more
representative voices that Israel can work with?
My right hon. Friend makes an incredibly important point. The UK
has been fully supportive of elections for the Palestinian
Authority, which are now well overdue. We have seen on numerous
occasions the Palestinian Authority working and co-ordinating
with the Government of Israel, and we are always supportive when
that is the case. The actions taken by Hamas are not to the
benefit of the Palestinian people. The solution to the conflict,
both in the short term and ultimately, will be through a
negotiated political solution, and I would urge the Palestinian
people to choose a leadership that is respected on the
international stage and able to negotiate with international
partners.
(Strangford) (DUP)
I thank the Minister for his very balanced response to the
questions that have been put. He knows that Hamas is trying to
make the Palestinian Authority and Mahmoud Abbas redundant, to
make him appear irrelevant and to present itself as the ultimate
defender of Jerusalem and al-Aqsa. Our own history in this
country proves the folly of doing business with terrorists. Will
the Minister take the opportunity today to tell Hamas that the
British Government will never do business with terrorists?
The hon. Gentleman makes the point that the military wing of
Hamas is recognised as a terrorist organisation. Ultimately, the
future of the Palestinian people should lie in the hands of
people who are able to negotiate on the international stage, and
Hamas is not in a position to credibly do that.
(Stourbridge) (Con)
I welcome the Prime Minister’s call for both sides to step back
from the brink and show restraint. Does my right hon. Friend
agree that continued escalation in the region will only lead to
further violence and more deaths, and that both sides need to
urgently down their arms?
My hon. Friend makes absolutely the right point. The images that
we have seen of fatalities and injuries of both Israelis and
Palestinians are heartbreaking. We continue to work with
international partners to work to peace and an ultimate,
sustainable, two-state solution.
(Islington North) (Ind) [V]
The images of death, destruction and loss of life all over the
region are horrific. The targeted bombing of buildings in Gaza,
the tanks on the west bank, and the destruction of education and
health facilities is absolutely appalling. Will the Minister
explain exactly what is the nature of Britain’s military
relationship with Israel? What is the nature of that co-operation
with Israel? Can he tell the House whether any munitions sold by
Britain to Israel have been used to bomb places in Gaza, and
whether any drone equipment supplied by Britain or bought by
Britain has been used as a surveillance method on either the west
bank or Gaza and followed up by the destruction of civilian life
and the death of many people, including the tragedy of the deaths
of whole families and children? Our public need to know exactly
the nature of that military relationship with Israel. Of course,
the Minister rightly says that the occupied territories, which
are occupied by Israel, are the places that suffer as a result of
this bombardment.
The UK has a robust arms export licensing regime, and all export
licences are assessed in accordance with it. I can assure the
right hon. Gentleman that the UK takes its arms export
responsibilities very seriously. I would also remind him that
Israel is responding to rockets fired at it from an organisation
closely associated with Iran. We would urge all nations to take
their arms export responsibilities as seriously as the UK does.
(Rother
Valley) (Con)
Can my right hon. Friend confirm that he is working with
international counterparts on calming tensions in the region and
bringing an end the violence, to ensure that all sides can move
towards a peaceful dialogue? Can he also give assurances that he
will work to ensure that the hard-won Abraham accords between
Israel and the Gulf nations remain intact?
My hon. Friend makes a very important point. I can assure him
that the conversation I had this morning with representatives of
the Arab nations, including the representative of the Palestinian
people here in London, was balanced, thoughtful and productive. I
can assure him that our friends in the region share our desire to
see peace come quickly to the region, and we are all working
closely with one other to pursue that particular goal.
(Hackney North and Stoke Newington) (Lab) [V]
The Minister will be aware that, around the world, people want to
see an end to the violence and the rising death toll—both of
Israelis and Palestinians—and to see a ceasefire, and they
welcome efforts to that effect. However, does he also accept that
the long-term solution to these issues lies with the UK
Government, among others, demanding an end to forced evictions of
Palestinians in East Jerusalem; the UK Government insisting that
sacred sites, including the al-Aqsa mosque, are treated with the
utmost respect; the UK Government asking for an immediate halt to
new settlements and an adherence to international law; and the UK
Government recognising Palestine as a state, with full membership
of the United Nations? The Minister said earlier that recognition
of Palestine is not an issue for now, but I say to him that if
justice for the Palestinians is not an issue for now, in the
midst of this violence and death, when will justice for the
Palestinians be an issue?
Let me read verbatim a section from my opening speech. I said:
“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.” So our position on the very questions that
the right hon. Lady raised is clear and long standing, and I do
not understand why she is raising them. Again, on the issue of
Palestinian state recognition, the UK position is clear and long
standing. We will do so when it is most conducive to advancing
the peace effort.
(South West
Wiltshire) (Con)
The Minister’s point on the two-state solution does him great
credit and it should be clear for anybody to understand.
Long-range rockets at scale are not possible without the
involvement of a sophisticated, malign state actor that will
never be content until the state of Israel is driven into the
sea. Does my right hon. Friend agree that there will never be
peace in the Levant, never be a two-state solution and never be a
solution of any sort until Iran ceases to be a feral bandit
state, uncouples itself from its regime and rediscovers the
dignity, poise and leadership appropriate to its history and its
culture?
I thank my predecessor and good friend for the point that he
raised. I have already said that the UK encourages Iran to be a
more thoughtful and less disruptive regional player and to stop
arming and supporting terrorist militia groups in the region. We
will continue to work towards a two-state solution with the
framework that has been explained from this Dispatch Box many
times, and I pay tribute to the work that he did in this role to
try to make that a reality.
(Central
Ayrshire) (SNP) [V]
Gaza has been under a suffocating blockade for almost 15 years,
which already undermines the delivery of healthcare. Having been
involved in breast cancer projects in Gaza for many years, I am
aware from colleagues that 14 Government hospitals and clinics,
including the covid laboratory, have been bombed, along with
those run by international charities. We have been in this
situation before, so once a ceasefire is finally agreed, what is
the Government’s plan to achieve a long-term, yet just solution
for both the Palestinians and the Israelis?
I pay tribute to the hon. Lady’s work in this area and more
broadly in the provision of health services to communities around
the world. We are aware of the reports and, indeed, footage of
medical facilities that have been damaged or destroyed, but we
are also deeply concerned about the continued use by Hamas of
civilian infrastructure for its military operations. Ultimately,
we seek to bring about an end to the conflict so that
humanitarian support can get to the people who need it. We remain
one of the most generous humanitarian donors in the world and we
are working hard to keep those humanitarian access routes open so
that our support and the support of others in the international
community gets to the people it needs to.
(Cheadle) (Con)
Hamas has consistently chosen to prioritise its goal of the
destruction of Israel over the safety and prosperity of
Palestinians, but in conflict it is always the innocent,
Palestinians and Israelis, who suffer. That must end and a
ceasefire must be agreed. Does my right hon. Friend agree that we
cannot just condemn Hamas, but must ensure that moderate
Palestinians’ representatives are supported and championed?
My hon. Friend is right; we seek, as does the international
community, a peaceful life for the Palestinian people and for the
Israeli people. That can be done only through international
co-operation, and ultimately it has to be done by representatives
of the Palestinian people who respect Israel’s right to exist.
(Rhondda) (Lab)
My mother always wanted me to take a side, either for the
Palestinians or the Jews. I can never decide which side I should
take, but is it not profoundly unhelpful for us to take a side?
If we are going to take a side, would it not make far more sense
for us to be on the side of the families who have been fleeing
rocket attacks from Hamas, of the families who have been evicted
in East Jerusalem or in the illegal settlements, and of the
doctors who have seen their facilities bombed or who do not have
any vaccines to be able to deal with coronavirus? I know this
sounds terribly pious, but in the end do we not just have to be
on the side of the humanity in this?
The hon. Gentleman speaks with a huge amount of wisdom on this.
It is perhaps seductive but ultimately futile to work to
reinforce a side of an argument while an argument persists. What
we should do is seek to end arguments, end conflict, pursue peace
and pursue the right of Palestinians and Israelis to live in
peace, side by side, in harmony and prosperity. The Government
will continue to pursue that as our primary goal in this region.
(Hammersmith) (Lab)
The Minister says he has a policy on evictions and demolitions in
East Jerusalem and the west bank, on the attacks on al-Aqsa and
the expansions of settlements, but the illegal settlement and
occupation of Palestinian territories has been going on for more
than five decades. What is the Minister actually going to do to
tackle the causes of violence? What steps are his Government
actually going to take?
The hon. Gentleman answers his own question, in the fact that the
tensions in this region have persisted for decades and have done
so under both Conservative and Labour Governments. If it were
simple and easy, it would have been done. The truth of the matter
is that we are seeking to have a sustainable future for both the
Palestinian people and the Israeli people. We will work with the
representatives of those people and more broadly in the
international community to pursue that goal.
(Redcar) (Con) [V]
I join the Minister in urging both sides to move to a ceasefire
to prevent the further loss of life. We have all seen the images
of what is happening in Israel and the Gaza strip, and I have to
say thank god for the Iron Dome. Were it not for that outstanding
piece of Israeli technology, today we would see thousands of
innocent Israeli citizens dead and maimed at the hands of Hamas
terrorists and no doubt even worse conflict in the region. Does
the Minister agree that we must condemn Hamas and weaken its
close relationship with Iran, and work to bring moderate Israelis
and Palestinians together through co-existence projects?
My hon. Friend makes an incredibly important point. There are
plenty of thoughtful and passionate Palestinians and Israelis who
are determined to bring peace to the region, and we must ensure
that their voices are heard. We will work alongside them and our
friends more broadly in the international community to that end,
and he makes an important point about what might have been the
situation had Israeli air defence systems not been as effective
as they are.
(Twickenham) (LD)
I am utterly horrified by the scenes unfolding in Gaza, as are
hundreds of my constituents who have contacted me to express
their concerns. The UK Government are absolutely right to condemn
Hamas’s rocket attacks, but they must also condemn in much
stronger terms the completely disproportionate response from the
Israeli Government, which has resulted in the loss of hundreds of
civilian lives, including at least 63 children, coming on the
back of sustained breaches of international law for many years.
So I ask again: given the UK’s historic responsibility in the
region, will the Minister urgently intensify and accelerate
efforts with international partners to broker an immediate
ceasefire by both sides, and will he suspend arms exports to
Israel?
I have already made clear our desire to see an immediate end to
the hostilities, a permanent ceasefire and a negotiated
settlement between the Palestinians and the Israelis. We have
also urged that, in their response to rocket attacks from within
civilian infrastructure in Gaza, the Israelis exercise all
caution to minimise civilian casualties. That will remain the UK
Government’s position on this issue.
(Buckingham) (Con)
Yesterday, Israel facilitated dozens of trucks filled with
humanitarian aid, including field hospitals and covid vaccines,
to enter Gaza, yet Hamas deliberately fired repeat barrages of
mortars at the Israeli crossing terminal, injuring an Israel
Defence Forces soldier involved in the aid transfer and killing
two foreign workers nearby. Will my right hon. Friend join me in
condemning that appalling incident, which shows, as he stated
earlier, that the actions of Hamas are categorically not in the
interests of Palestinian people?
My hon. Friend makes an incredibly important point. As I said in
my initial response, the targeting of civilians is unacceptable,
and the specific targeting of humanitarian support particularly
so. I have urged Hamas and other terrorist organisations to cease
their targeting of humanitarian access routes, so that our
support and the support of others in the international community
can get to the people who need it.
(Birmingham, Hodge Hill) (Lab) [V]
We heard the Minister’s statement of policy; we just do not
understand the strategy for advancing it. He has to realise, like
the rest of us, that there is no peace without justice. The way
to disarm Hamas, to make progress towards peace and to ensure
genuine calm and de-escalation can only be through the full
realisation of Palestinian rights and the end of systematic
discrimination against Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian
Territories.
It is vital that the UK uses its influence with the United States
to insist on a ceasefire. It is vital that the UK Government
fully support the International Criminal Court investigation into
all alleged war crimes, no matter which party stands accused,
including those who are launching appalling rockets and those
launching airstrikes. It is vital that we suspend the sale of
arms to Israel until we know the outcomes of these prosecutions.
Crucially, it is vital that the UK understands that the hope of
peace is disappearing because people no longer believe that a
two-state solution is possible. That is why we have to act now to
sustain hope among Palestinians by ensuring recognition of the
state of Palestine. We voted for it in 2014. On 7 July 2020, the
Government said:
“The UK will recognise a Palestinian state at a time when it best
serves the objective of peace”—
Mr Speaker
Order. I think the Minister has got the question.
I recognise the passion with which the right hon. Gentleman
speaks, but there can be no legitimisation of indiscriminate
rocket attacks against civilian targets from within civilian
infrastructure by an internationally recognised terrorist
organisation.
(Forest of Dean) (Con)
I thank the Minister for his robust support on behalf of the
British Government for Israel’s right to defend itself from
attack by a proscribed terrorist organisation. Listening to what
he said about the prospects for peace, it is clear that Hamas has
no interest in dialogue and moving towards peace. What can we do
to strengthen the Palestinian Authority, which is a credible
partner for peace, and to reduce the influence of Iran, which is
trying to strengthen the hand of those who are Israel’s enemies
and who do not wish to see peace for the Palestinians?
My right hon. Friend makes an incredibly important point. The
Palestinian people have many friends and allies in the
international community and they have people within their own
leadership who are determined to bring about peace and see a
peaceful two-state solution. We should find ways of strengthening
their voices and their hands and work with them in pursuit of a
two-state solution. There are also people who claim leadership or
who aspire to leadership who will never accept the existence of
an Israeli state, and we cannot, will not and should not work
with them.
(Slough) (Lab)
The nub of this issue, having visited both Israel and Palestine,
is a colonial-era mindset of a gradual land grab: the forcible
eviction of people from their homes; the building of illegal
settlements; the extreme and shameless violation of human rights
and international law; and the sheer suppression and humiliation
of an entire nation. At this point in time, however, the efforts
of the international community should be focused on securing an
immediate end to the bloodshed and hostility. So can the Minister
explain: where is the logjam and exactly how much aid have we
managed to get through to the inhumanely blockaded Gaza?
The hon. Gentleman makes the important point that the priority at
the moment is twofold: an immediate end to the conflict and the
immediate access of humanitarian aid. The UK remains one of the
most generous donors of humanitarian support to the Palestinian
people and we are very proud of that fact. I am not able to give
him an accurate assessment, as humanitarian access routes have
been closed because of their targeting by Hamas, but we will
continue to pursue the joint aims of bringing about a conclusion
to this conflict and ensuring that humanitarian support reaches
the people who need it.
(Harrow East)
(Con) [V]
Reports emerged yesterday that Hamas had launched a torpedo at
Israel’s natural gas field in the Mediterranean and that an armed
unmanned aerial vehicle caused an explosion at Israel’s Ashkelon
power station. Does my right hon. Friend agree that Hamas’s
ability to acquire these non-conventional weapons is a very
worrying development? Will he join me in condemning Hamas for
targeting energy infrastructure that will disrupt energy supplies
not only in Israel, but in Gaza?
I am not able to confirm the reports to which my hon. Friend
referred, but I reinforce the points that I made about the need
for Iran not to be a destabilising influence in the region, for
Hamas to step back from this conflict and for both sides to step
back and pursue peace so that we can work to a negotiated,
permanent two-state solution to the region.
(Arfon) (PC)
I associate myself and my party with the Minister’s opening words
about the wholly unacceptable deaths and casualties, particularly
of children.
Self-evidently, the first step to peace is to stop the violence.
President Biden has expressed support for the ceasefire,
according to press reports. Can the Minister reassure me that all
relevant international partners are actively working for an
immediate ceasefire as a prelude to a substantial international
attempt to secure a permanent and just solution?
I can assure the hon. Gentleman that everyone I have spoken to in
the international community is absolutely focused on bringing
about an end to this conflict and a ceasefire. That is true
within the region, and in respect of our European friends and
partners and, indeed, the recent conversations that my right hon.
Friend the Foreign Secretary has had with President Biden’s
Administration. That will remain, I have no doubt, the focus of
the international community.
(Bury
South) (Con)
Of Hamas’s many deplorable aspects, its cynical locating of
military infrastructure within densely populated civilian areas
is perhaps the worst. This was confirmed again yesterday, as
Hamas was found to be launching rockets close to a school. Will
my right hon. Friend join me in condemning this double war crime?
My hon. Friend makes an incredibly important point. The location
of military activities within civilian infrastructure is
completely unacceptable and demonstrates a disturbing attitude
towards the lives of the Palestinians that the leadership of
Hamas claim to be defending.
(Brighton, Pavilion) (Green) [V]
There are many underlying reasons for this most intractable of
conflicts, most notably 54 years of occupation of Palestine and
14 years of the blockade of the Gaza Strip, but the most recent
violence and devastating damage and loss of life has been
inflamed by Israeli violations of the fourth Geneva convention in
occupied east Jerusalem and the rest of the west bank. While I
welcome the Government’s long-term focus on peace and the
two-state solution, can the Minister tell us specifically what
consequences the UK is advocating to the international community
to deal with Israel’s illegal actions? What steps is he taking,
beyond raising it in bilateral talks with Israeli Ministers, to
ensure the end of all settlement building and the cancellation of
all forcible evictions and demolitions in Sheikh Jarrah and
elsewhere? He has been asked this before but has not given any
concrete details in his response. I would be grateful if he did
so now.
The hon. Lady implies that bilateral conversations with partners
are somehow invalid, but that is how diplomacy is done. Speaking
with our friends and partners around the world and in the region
is how we bring about positive change. The UK’s position on
settlements, evictions and annexation is well known, and we have
been vocal at the Dispatch Box and indeed in our conversations
directly with our Israeli interlocutors. That is what we will
continue to do. We will continue to work with friends in the
international community to seek peace in the region.
(Brigg and
Goole) (Con) [V]
Yet again, we see the distasteful spectacle in this place of a
pile-on against the democratic state that is under attack from
terrorism, while those who hide their murder weapons among
children and civilians are given a near-free pass. It is that,
and the misinformation circulating from certain groups with
regard to access to religious sites, which is directly
contributing to the rising hate against some in this country and
what we saw on the streets of London this weekend. Will my right
hon. Friend call out all those who spread this misinformation?
I think in issues as sensitive as this we all have a duty to
speak carefully to ensure that what we say is accurate. On my
hon. Friend’s point about some of the scenes that we saw in
London and elsewhere over the weekend, the people who would seek
any excuse to perpetrate antisemitic attacks or to say
antisemitic things should not be given any justification, whether
it be from Members of this House or anywhere else.
(Streatham) (Lab) [V]
The Minister will be aware that the United States has
specifically blocked the adoption of a joint UN Security Council
statement calling for a halt to Israeli-Palestinian violence. I
am sure that Members right across the House agree that we need a
joint international approach to achieve a ceasefire. So what
steps will the Minister take to urge the US Administration to
stop blocking any call for a joint ceasefire? Today the Minister
has repeatedly expressed support for a two-state solution. I
would just like to understand how the Government expect to
command the confidence of the public and the House on this matter
when they will not recognise Palestine, one of those two states,
because one plus zero does not equal two.
The United Kingdom will continue working with the whole of the
international community, including our European partners,
partners in the region and the United States, towards what is our
explicitly shared goal, which is an end to the violence and
ultimately peace for both the Palestinian people and the Israeli
people. That remains our focus and that is what we will work
towards.
(Hendon) (Con) [V]
Everyone in this House hopes that hostilities will end soon, with
a permanent ceasefire. However, the reality is that there will be
further rounds of fighting unless the international community
ends Iran’s bankrolling and arming of Gaza-based terrorist groups
such as Hamas. Some Members today appear to be defending the
actions of that terrorist group. I am not one of them, so may I
ask: as nuclear talks continue in Vienna, can my right hon.
Friend outline how the P5+1 intend finally to end Iran’s ability
to fuel conflict in the region?
I can assure my hon. Friend that, in addition to preventing Iran
from acquiring nuclear weapons, a priority is for it to cease its
destabilising actions in the region. That will remain a priority
in our bilateral relationship with Iran and in our multilateral
work with regard to Iran. We will continue to pursue an end to
the specific violence that we see in Gaza and Israel, and we will
redouble our efforts to bring about a sustainable, peaceful
two-state solution.
(Ealing North) (Lab/Co-op) [V]
I would like to press the Minister to set out specifically what
further actions the Government will take to ensure that there is
a co-ordinated international response to secure an immediate
ceasefire, and then specifically what the UK will do to address
the sources of long-term injustice and insecurity, including
forced evictions and the expansion of illegal settlements.
The hon. Gentleman would have heard in my response to the urgent
question that we have had a long-standing opposition to
settlement expansion, demolitions and evictions. Some of our
multilateral diplomatic work is done publicly, and some is done
more discreetly and privately, but I assure him that we will work
closely with our international partners in the region and further
afield to pursue peace in the middle east.
(East Ham) (Lab)
Large numbers of people gather at the al-Aqsa mosque to pray.
Does the Minister agree that the attacks that we saw on people
praying there, and the large number of civilian casualties that
resulted, cannot be justified? Will he urge the authorities there
to ensure that there is no repeat?
The right hon. Gentleman makes an important point about the
ability of the faithful to worship and the importance of the
status quo of the holy sites of all religions in Jerusalem. It is
the UK Government’s explicit policy that those holy sites need to
be protected, and that worshippers should be able to worship in
peace and confidence. That will remain the position of our
Government.
(Broadland) (Con)
I am very glad that my right hon. Friend has made it absolutely
clear today that the current situation was provoked by Hamas
firing rockets into Israel, and that Israel has the absolute
right to defend itself. The Minister has also referred to the
goal of a negotiated political settlement—the two-state solution.
We have to accept, do we not, that the continued building of
illegal settlements makes that two-state solution ever harder to
achieve? What steps can the Government take to dissuade Israel
from this policy?
My hon. Friend makes an important point about actions that might
make a two-state solution more difficult. The UK’s position is
that continued settlement expansion does make a sustainable
two-state solution more difficult, and that is why we have been
opposed to that and have communicated our opposition to that to
the Israeli Government. We will continue to do so, and that will
form part of the work that we put forward to make a peaceful
two-state solution more likely, rather than less.
(Angus) (SNP)
The UK Government previously halted military export licences to
the Israeli defence forces after the attacks in Gaza in 2014, but
since 2015 there have followed £400 million of licences to Israel
from the UK to date. There exists a profound asymmetry to this
conflict, evidenced by the appalling civilian death toll in each
territory, with almost 200 Palestinian civilians and 10 Israeli
civilians killed—all victims; all wasted lives. Is the UK content
to uphold that asymmetry with continued military sales, or will
it promote de-escalation dynamically, with renewed limits on
military exports to Israel?
Israel seeks to defend itself against attacks from the military
wing of Hamas, which is an internationally recognised terrorist
organisation. Our military export licensing regime is very
robust, as I have said, and we are proud that we have such a
robust arms exports regime in place—all export licences are
measured against that. We will work with the Israelis and with
the Palestinian people to bring about peace, and once a ceasefire
has been achieved we will continue our work to bring about a
peaceful, sustainable two-state solution.
(Burnley) (Con)
May I thank the Minister for his balanced opening statement in
response to this urgent question? Securing a ceasefire will be
very difficult, but maintaining it will be more difficult still,
so can he confirm that once that ceasefire has been secured, we
will offer whatever support we can to the Palestinian Authority,
so that they can hold free and fair elections, which are the only
way that moderate voices can get into power and then take the
country forward?
My hon. Friend makes an incredibly important point. A ceasefire
to this conflict is the beginning of an incredibly important
process, which will include ensuring that the Palestinian people
have credible voices to speak on their behalf on the
international stage, and that we work together—with the Israelis,
the Palestinians and the international community—for the thing
that we should all aim for, and which I believe the vast majority
of people, both in this House and more broadly, seek to see,
which is a peaceful, sustainable and prosperous two-state
solution.
