Thank you to everyone who has contacted me about Palestinian civil society organisations.

I condemn the recent decision of the Israeli Defence Minister to designate six Palestinian civil society organisations as terrorist. I believe this move is a clear attempt to silence peaceful defence of Palestinian rights.

To designate civil society bodies as ‘terrorist’, without providing any evidence, is totally unacceptable. These organisations represent prisoners, children and women and as such provide invaluable support to Palestinians. Their work is respected internationally.

I join the United Nations, Amnesty International and Israeli human rights organisations in protesting against this designation and I call on the Israeli Government to rescind its decision.

I will continue to advocate for a negotiated, diplomatic settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that ensures a safe and secure Israel, alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state. There will not be a just and lasting peace until the occupation is brought to a permanent end and both Palestinians and Israelis enjoy security, dignity and human rights.