Many of you have contacted me about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and I am writing to provide an update on the work that the UK Government is doing and the steps I have been taking as your MP to press for action.
The situation in Gaza is an intolerable humanitarian crisis that has led to heartbreaking loss of life and unimaginable suffering. We need a resumption of the ceasefire, the delivery of humanitarian aid and Hamas to release all the hostages.
Israel suffered a heinous attack on October 7th and I condemn Hamas and its abhorrent treatment of the hostages.
But the escalation we are seeing in Gaza is unjustifiable – the expansion of military operations by Israel and the prevention of vital aid getting in. The UN and the World Health Organisation have warned the threat of starvation is hanging over hundreds and thousands of civilians – this is indefensible.
Since the outbreak of the conflict, the UK Government has acted on many fronts. This has included:
- Restoring funding to UNRWA, the UN agency providing relief and aid to Palestinians.
- Supporting the independence of international courts.
- Suspending arms export licences.
- Providing food and medical care to hundreds of thousands of Gazans.
- Working with Arab partners on a plan to ensure a reconstructed Gaza no longer run by Hamas.
On 20th May, the Foreign Secretary announced further action including new sanctions against 3 individuals, two illegal settler outposts and two organisations supporting violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank. The UK government has also suspended negotiations with Israel on a free trade deal with immediate effect. The Government has also recently issued a joint statement with the Canadian and French governments making clear that the Israeli governments egregious actions must stop. You can read the statement in full HERE.
We cannot stand by and I welcome the new actions announced by the Foreign Secretary. We must do all we can to secure an end to this conflict and the peace and security of both Israelis and Palestinians.
As your MP, I will continue to speak up for action. I have spoken in parliament on this situation multiple times. I am also a member of the International Development Committee where we continue to focus on the conflict, primarily the humanitarian situation and the need to uphold international humanitarian law. We produced a report on Israel and the Occupied Territory and made several recommendations to the government which you can read HERE.
I have also hosted the UNWRA High Commissioner, Phillip Lazzerini, in parliament to brief MPs on the catastrophic situation and UNWRA’s vital role.
I reiterate the need for an immediate halt to Israel’s military offensive, an end to restrictions on humanitarian aid, and for Hamas to release the remaining hostages. We must also not give up on a two-state solution in which both Israelis and Palestinians can live in security, dignity and peace.
I will continue to keep you updated on this important issue..
Alice