Thank you for contacting me to raise your concerns about the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the International Criminal Court investigations into potential crimes in Israel and Gaza.

I am heartbroken to see the continuation of this conflict into 2024. I agree with the Shadow Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, that Israel’s ‘devastating tactics that have seen far too many innocent civilians killed’ and ‘unacceptable blocks on essential aid’ must end.

I call again for a permanent ceasefire, on all sides, and for a diplomatic push towards a lasting peace through a two-state solution.

I welcome the UN Security Council’s resolution, which called for the creation of ‘conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities’ and demanded that parties comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law.

The horrors of recent months have been intolerable, and we must work for a sustained ceasefire. The next humanitarian truce is urgent and, in the space it brings, intense diplomacy should begin to set new terms under which fighting does not restart and the risk of escalation is reduced.

I want to see all remaining hostages released and an end to Hamas attacks on Israel. I want to see Israel end its bombing campaign, allow humanitarian access to Gaza on a much greater scale, end settler violence, and prevent displacement in both the West Bank and Gaza.

Ultimately, diplomacy is the only route to a lasting peace, ending the conflict once and for all. There is an urgent need to act to relieve the suffering. The reality is that open-ended military action without a clear and desired political outcome is ultimately futile.

Regarding the investigation by the International Criminal Court, I believe allegations of breaches of international humanitarian law should be treated with the utmost seriousness and must always be investigated. Assessing specific allegations is the proper task of lawyers and competent international courts. I support the independence of the ICC to undertake its investigations.

Thank you again to all those who have contacted me on this issue. I am proud to represent a community which cares so passionately about bringing about an end to this conflict and ensuring the protection of human rights.