I fully acknowledge this is a highly sensitive situation and emotions are understandably very high. This is an unimaginably difficult time for people in Israel and Gaza and I can assure my constituents that I want to see an end to the dreadful violence in the region that is costing so many innocent lives.
Israel has the right to defend itself, and has the right to eliminate the threat posed by Hamas. However, the UK has been consistently clear that in doing so it must abide by international humanitarian law; Israel will not win this war if its operations destroy the prospect of peaceful coexistence with Palestinians. Too many civilians have been killed, and the Israeli government should do more to discriminate sufficiently between terrorists and civilians, ensuring its campaign targets Hamas leaders and operatives.
I support the UK Government’s position to call for an immediate pause to get aid in and hostages out. This will allow progress towards a sustainable, permanent ceasefire, without a return to destruction, fighting and loss of life. The Government made a Written Statement to Parliament on 23 February setting out this position, and I will continue to monitor the developments closely.
There is a desperate need for increased humanitarian support to Gaza and the focus must be on practical solutions that save lives. The UK has trebled its aid commitment this financial year and is doing everything it can to get more aid in and open more crossings so that Palestinian families, women and children get the food, water and care they need so urgently.
ICJ
I fully respect the ICJ role and independence, however, I agree with the UK Government that South Africa’s case at the ICJ is not helpful in achieving the goal of a sustainable ceasefire. I share the Government’s view that Israel’s actions in Gaza cannot be described as genocide, and believed South Africa’s decision to bring the case was wrong and provocative.
The Court’s call for the immediate release of hostages and the need to get more aid into Gaza is a position the UK has long advocated.
Gaza Aid
On the UNRWA, I am appalled by allegations that any agency staff were involved in the 7th October terrorist attack against Israel. I support the UK's decision to pause any future funding of UNRWA whilst these concerning allegations are reviewed. The United States, Germany, Australia, Italy, Canada, Finland, Switzerland and the Netherlands have all temporarily paused funding too.
I fully understand this decision to pause funding to UNRWA has raised concerns, but I want to make clear the UK remains committed to getting humanitarian aid to the people in Gaza who desperately need it. The Government is getting on with aid delivery, funding multiple implementing partners including other UN agencies and international and UK NGOs. This support is helping people in Gaza get food, water, shelter and medicines. The commitment to trebling aid to Gaza still stands and the UK is providing £60 million in humanitarian assistance to support partners including the British Red Cross, UNICEF, the UN World Food Programme and Egyptian Red Crescent Society to respond to critical food, fuel, water, health, shelter and security needs in Gaza.
Indeed, the UK will continue to support the United Nations World Food Programme to deliver a new humanitarian land corridor from Jordan into Gaza. 750 tonnes of life-saving food aid arrived in the first delivery and 315 tonnes in the second delivery. Further to this, on 21 February four tonnes of life-saving aid – funded and supported by the UK Government – were air-dropped for the Tal Al-Hawa Hospital in Northern Gaza by the Jordanian Air Force. I understand that ministers are doing all that they can to get more aid in and open more crossings as soon as possible.
The UK is working via all diplomatic channels—bilaterally and collectively in the region—to ensure that this conflict, which has cost so many lives already, can be brought to a halt.