As you will be all too aware, the situation in Gaza has escalated even further in recent days. The Israel Defence Forces started a new, extensive ground operation with a view to taking control of the strip. Only minimal amounts of food are being let through; to quote Netanyahu, “just enough to prevent hunger”.
This follows the Israeli Government blocking essential goods and supplies from entering Gaza for more than two months. Food, medicines and essential supplies are exhausted. The United Nations (UN) and World Health Organisation have issued stark warnings that hundreds of thousands of civilians are facing starvation, whilst also being bombed, displaced and traumatised. This is absolutely inhumane.
It has now been two months since the ceasefire collapsed and the humanitarian impact has accelerated rapidly. Meanwhile, the diplomatic deadlock between Israel and Hamas has only hardened. On May 19th, Israel’s Minister Smotrich spoke of Israeli forces “cleansing” Gaza and “destroying what is left.” As David Lammy, our Foreign Secretary, said in his statement to the Commons on May 20th: “We must call it what it is. It is extremism, it is dangerous, it is repellent, it is monstrous and I condemn it in the strongest possible terms.”
Israel is bound under international law to allow the unhindered passage of humanitarian aid. There is a UN plan ready to deliver aid at the scale that is needed, with some 9,000 trucks waiting at the border. Humanitarians must be allowed to deliver supplies to those who need it most, independent of parties to the conflict and in accordance with their humanitarian principles.
The Government totally opposes the expansion of Israel’s operations. Whilst we recognise the horrors of the October 7th attack and condemn Hamas’ treatment of hostages, Netanyahu’s actions are completely disproportionate and ultimately counter-productive. We do not believe they will result in hostages being freed, the elimination of Hamas or increased security for Israel.
Since the election in July last year, the Labour Government has provided more than £129m in humanitarian support to the Occupied Territories, including restoring funding to UN Relief and Works Agency. Thousands of people in Gaza have been treated by UK-Med. We have worked with the governments of France and Germany to jointly condemn Israeli restrictions on aid and press for immediate relief. We have used our position on the UN Security Council to demand an end to Israel’s inexcusable restrictions on aid and continually pressed diplomatically to achieve a ceasefire, free the hostages and alleviate the suffering in Gaza.
However, the Israeli Government’s horrific actions have continued. As the Prime Minister said in his joint statement with his Canadian and French counterparts on May 19th, “we will not stand by while the Netanyahu Government pursues these egregious actions. If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response.”
On May 20th, the Foreign Secretary confirmed that the Government had suspended negotiations with Israel on a new free trade agreement. If Israel continues to pursue its military offensive and continues to deny aid, we will take further action in response.
The UK continues to see the two-state solution as the only way of creating lasting peace. Yet this is now endangered not only by the war in Gaza, but also by the spread of illegal Israeli settlements and outposts across the occupied west bank (supported by Netanyahu’s Government). We have acted on this as well: we have repeatedly pressed for a change in course and direction, sanctioned seven entities in October and signed a landmark agreement to bolster support for the Palestinian Authority when Prime Minister Mustafa visited London in April. But know we must do more. The Foreign Secretary has now announced sanctions on three individuals and four entities involved in the settler movement. We will continue to act against those carrying out egregious abuses of human rights.
The ceasefire at the start of this year offered some hope and showed that another path was possible. We call on the Israeli Government to choose that path, end the war and stop the horrendous suffering of innocent civilians.