I am aware that it has been a while since I last published a statement on the situation in Gaza. I absolutely understand and echo the concerns of constituents who continue to write to me, especially in the wake of Donald Trump’s proposals to take over Gaza and displace the Palestinian people to neighbouring Arab countries.

The humanitarian situation there is unacceptable. Gazans have truly been trapped in hell on earth. I share the horror at the deterioration of healthcare in Gaza and urge Israel to abide by its international obligations, including those set out in UN Security Council Resolutions. I know the Middle East Minister has raised the dire situation in northern Gaza with members of the Israeli Government.

The UK Government has committed £129 million in aid for the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Palestinian refugees in the region to April 2025. This has helped thousands in Gaza access healthcare, food, shelter, water and sanitation.

My ministerial colleagues and I also remain opposed to Israeli legislation against the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). The UNRWA plays a vital role in delivering humanitarian assistance in Gaza and enabling the broader international response through its logistics and distribution network. Our Government has committed £41 million for UNRWA to deliver essential services to Palestinians across the Occupied Palestinian Territories. I support the Government’s continued urging of the Israeli Government to ensure UNRWA can continue its vital operations.

I remain unwavering in my support for a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Such a solution must involve a sovereign Palestinian state including the West Bank and Gaza alongside a safe and secure Israel. This has been the decades-long framework for peace.

I also strongly oppose any efforts to move Palestinians in Gaza to neighbouring Arab states against their will. There must be no forced displacement of Palestinians nor any reduction in Gazan territory. Palestinians must determine the future of Gaza with support from regional partners and the international community.

Palestinian civilians must also be able to return to and rebuild their homes and lives. This is a right guaranteed under international law.

The UK Government’s priority remains to ensure that the fragile ceasefire continues, with all hostages released and much-needed aid reaching Gaza. The US and the UK must work together with the international community to ensure the ceasefire is implemented in full and becomes permanent.

It would be a tragedy to let slip the chance for a ceasefire and for lasting peace. I am committed, alongside my Government colleagues, to sustaining momentum on the deal, no matter how fragile the process may be.

Thank you for writing to me about this serious, and saddening, subject. I know many people in Lewisham North feel very strongly about it and I assure you I will continue to follow developments closely.