Thank you to all who have contacted me about UK nationals fighting in the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) during the war in Gaza.

I understand that the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians has contacted the UK Government on multiple occasions seeking clarification regarding the legality of UK nationals fighting in the IDF and has concerns that those who go abroad to fight for the IDF could be complicit in potential war crimes and face prosecution should these matters later go to trial.

Late in December 2023, the UK Government stated it was aware of reports of UK citizens travelling to fight for the IDF but that it does not have estimates of how many have gone to do so. It said it recognises the right of British nationals with additional nationalities to serve in the legitimately recognised armed forces of the country of their other nationalities. It said that British nationals (with multiple nationality) are both able to volunteer in the IDF and are eligible for national service.

I know that following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Government then said that the Foreign Enlistment Act 1870 can prevent British citizens in certain circumstances from engaging in military service and that cases would be considered on a case-by-case basis.

More widely, the horrors of the war in Gaza in recent months have been intolerable. I welcome the December 2023 UN Security Council vote which describes how we must work for a sustained ceasefire. The next humanitarian truce is urgent and, in the space it brings, intense diplomacy should set new terms under which fighting does not restart and the risk of escalation is reduced.

I want to see the release of all remaining hostages, an end to Hamas attacks on Israel and its governance in Gaza, and an end to Israel’s bombing campaign, the permittance of humanitarian access into Gaza on a greater scale, and an end to settler violence and displacement in the West Bank.

Ultimately, diplomacy is the only route to a lasting peace. Open-ended military action without a clear and desired political outcome is futile. A political agreement, however unlikely it seems today, however painful the first steps are to take, is the only way to resolve this conflict once and for all. The only long-term solution is the creation of a viable and sovereign Palestinian state alongside a safe and secure Israel.

Thank you once again to all who have contacted me about this important issue.