Thank you to everyone who contacted me about the fate of the Madleen Freedom Flotilla.
As you will know, the Madleen was intercepted by Israeli forces on 9 June and towed to an Israeli port. Those onboard were detained before being deported.
Before the boat’s arrival, the UK Government pressed the Israeli authorities to ensure any action taken was in line with international law and undertaken with restraint, and that the situation would be resolved safely for the passengers on board. I am relieved that the interception of the Madleen happened without serious incident or injury to any passenger.
On the wider issue of the ongoing horrific situation in Gaza, as I have stated before I absolutely agree that the blockade of aid into the territory is unacceptable. The Israeli Government’s newly introduced measures for aid are inhumane and endanger civilians. We have seen several mass casualty incidents, with Palestinians killed or injured trying to access aid. Desperate civilians should not have to risk death or injury simply to feed themselves and their families.
I believe that the most effective way to meet the need of Gaza’s people is via overland routes. That is why I continue to back calls for the Israeli Government to lift all restrictions on aid, enable the UN and aid partners to do their work and ensure that food and other critical supplies can reach people safely wherever they are, across all of Gaza.
I also back the UK Government in its support for the UN and other trusted international non-governmental organisations as the most effective and principled partners for aid delivery. I welcome that this support has meant that 65,000 people have received essential healthcare, 640,000 have received food, and 275,000 have improved access to water, sanitation and hygiene services.
I can assure you that I will continue to support the Government’s efforts to work with international partners to address the catastrophic situation in Gaza. Ultimately, I believe a ceasefire is the best way to secure the release of all remaining hostages and to achieve a long-term political solution.
Beyond this, I support a two-state solution as the only way to bring long-lasting peace, stability and security.