Thank you to everyone who has been in touch about the horrific ongoing situation in Gaza.​​​​​

It is heart-breaking to see the continuation of the conflict after the brief ceasefire last month. It was my hope that this pause in the violence could be used to ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and to work towards a long-term political solution for a genuine and permanent cessation of violence.

I want to see a return to this truce, with a focus on the protection of civilians, the prevention of displacement, the provision of humanitarian access, and the release of the hostages.

Israel must act within international law and cannot continue to deploy the devastating tactics that it used in the north of Gaza. Israel must not besiege or blockade Gaza in its pursuit of Hamas. It must prevent the bombardment of civilian infrastructure like schools and hospitals, ensure that attempts to address the humanitarian crisis are not hindered, and – most importantly – protect the lives of innocent Palestinians. I am, along with the Labour Party and the UK’s international partners, deeply concerned that these conditions are currently not being met. This must change.

The international community needs to use the next pause in the violence to make progress towards what must be our shared goal – an end to the conflict, and a permanent ceasefire. That means creating the conditions where Israel is secure, and Palestinians have a path to statehood and can begin the reconstruction and renewal of Gaza.

We cannot allow for the two-state solution to be ignored again as it has been in the past. It is the only framework which can provide a fair and long-lasting peace for both Israelis and Palestinians. A Labour government would make this a priority.

I am also concerned about the outbreak of violence in the West Bank. The illegal displacement of Palestinians by Israeli settlers cannot be allowed to continue. As the occupying power, Israel must uphold its obligation to investigate these incidents, hold those responsible accountable and prevent them from happening again. I am glad that the Government has heeded the Labour Party’s calls and followed the example of the US in imposing travel bans on Israeli settlers who have been implicated in attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank.

Thank you to all my constituents who have contacted me to outline their feelings on this issue. I continue to be proud to represent a community with such a passionate belief in the importance of human rights and which has shown such empathy and understanding to those in the Jewish, Muslim, and Palestinian communities in the UK.