In recent weeks I have heard from hundreds of constituents raising concerns about the ongoing and deeply troubling situation in Israel and Gaza following Hamas’s appalling terrorist attack on 7 October.
I share concerns about the horrifying events and subsequent human catastrophe unfolding. This has been a heart-breaking time for so many families with loved ones in either Palestine or Israel and for many in our city, who want to see an end to the violence and suffering.
Too many innocent civilians and children have been killed, hostages must be freed and Palestinians must not be used as human shields. Israel must take urgent, concrete steps to protect civilians.
While Israel has a right to defend itself from Hamas and a duty to do so, it also has a responsibility to do so within international law. That is why I have criticised Israel’s conduct of this war and have called on Israel to protect hospitals and lift the siege conditions on Gaza to allow food, water, electricity, medicine and fuel in.
As a member of Labour Friends of Palestine and the all party parliamentary group for Palestine, you may know that in late September I visited the Occupied Palestinian Territories visiting towns and villages across the West Bank and refugee camps, where I saw first-hand human suffering and the challenges the Palestinian have been facing. You can read more about here.
I wanted to provide an update on the extensive, urgent actions I have taken to raise concerns of constituents after receiving a high volume of correspondence, meeting with faith leaders and working closely with the charity Caabu and humanitarian organisation Medical Aid for Palestinians, who arranged the visit to Palestine.
As well as tabling a high volume of questions to ministers over the issues of concern and to do what I can to end the violence and encourage lasting peace, I wrote three weeks ago to Foreign Secretary calling for an urgent cessation of military activity by all parties. The letter can be found here. The questions I have been asking, and will continue to ask, can be found here.
On Wednesday 15 November I supported an amendment to the King’s Speech which addressed these concerns. Our amendment included:
- Condemn the attacks: Condemns the horrific terrorist attack and murder of civilians by Hamas.
- Release the hostages: Calls for the immediate release of all hostages.
- All human life is equal: Asserts that all human life is equal and that there has been too much suffering, including far too many deaths of innocent civilians and children.
- Respect international law: Reasserts the UK’s commitment to the rules-based international order, international humanitarian law and the jurisdiction of the ICC to address the conduct of all parties.
- Lift the siege: Calls on Israel to protect hospitals and lift the siege conditions allowing food, water, electricity, medicine and fuel into Gaza.
- Prevent escalation: Requests the UK Government continues to work with the international community to prevent a wider escalation of the conflict in the region.
- Right to return home: Ensures people in Gaza who are forced to flee during this conflict can return to their homes.
- End illegal settlement expansion: Seeks an end to the expansion of illegal settlements and settler violence in the West Bank.
- Cessation of fighting: Calls for longer humanitarian pauses to allow in aid and the movement of civilians as a necessary step to an enduring cessation of fighting as soon as possible.
- Two-state solution: Seeks a credible, diplomatic and political process to deliver the lasting peace of a two-state solution.
I understand some constituents may be disappointed that the specific word “ceasefire” was not used in the amendment I supported, however the amendment called for an “enduring cessation of fighting” as soon as possible. I believe this is the most likely and effective way of stopping the bloodshed, releasing the hostages, lifting the siege and preventing escalation.
The first responsibility of any government is to ensure the safety of its people. Therefore, Israel will never agree to a ceasefire whilst Hamas continues to hold hundreds of innocent civilians as hostages and whilst it retains the capability, and clear intent, to commit further attacks on the Israeli people. This is something confirmed by Hamas in a recent statement when they said: “We will repeat the October 7 attack time and again until Israel is annihilated”.
There is also fear that any unilateral and unconditional ceasefire would only serve to allow Hamas to entrench their position, elongating this intolerable conflict.
It is also important to recognise that a ceasefire cannot be imposed by the international community, it can only be negotiated. I know that many people who have written to me would be delighted if I used the words ‘ceasefire now’, but hollow words offer false comfort in the absence of real solutions.
There is however international consensus around humanitarian pauses. They are a crucial first step, but on their own will not make the impact needed to relieve this humanitarian crisis. The damage to water pipelines and other infrastructure to hospitals need to be rebuilt, and that requires longer pauses with an ultimate ambition of securing an enduring cessation of fighting that ends the civilian suffering.
I have also joined calls for a coordinated Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) fund appeal with matched government funding to provide essential humanitarian aid to Gaza, and to create a longer-term fund for Gaza’s reconstruction.
For too long, we have talked about a two-state solution and the dignity and justice of a Palestinian state alongside a safe and secure Israel, without serious focus on making it happen. We have allowed welcome progress in improving relations between Israel and its neighbours to sit without any progress on the future for Palestine and its people. That must change.
History tells us that this war cannot end with a return to the status quo. Hamas cannot be allowed to regroup, re-arm and repeat. Israel cannot return to the failed policies of containment and occupation. This is what has happened in the aftermath of every previous conflict between Israel and Hamas. The consequence has been an ongoing cycle of violence and bloodshed.
Israel’s doctrine of believing they can contain Hamas and ignore the legitimate and just cause of Palestinian self-determination and statehood has been proven to be an abject failure.
Hamas’ doctrine, built on a hatred of Jews and the destruction of the State of Israel, means that Hamas’ leadership must be disarmed and removed.
While much emphasis has been placed on the vote taking place in Parliament on Wednesday night, I want to assure you I will continue doing all that I can to advocate for an enduring cessation of fighting, leading to an internationally brokered peace process and ultimately a two-state solution.
Finally, we must not allow others to use these tragic events in the Middle East to sow division. I have and will continue to meet with community leaders who share our concerns about division here at home. Hurtful, divisive language and actions helps no one in the Middle East suffering.
I have received some emails with regards to putting my name to certain campaign efforts. As Shadow Minister of State, I cannot sign round-robin emails, Early Day Motions (EDMs) or add my name to amendments from other political parties. As a member of the frontbench team I am bound by collective responsibility, but do have the opportunity to shape and influence policy of the Labour Party based on my own experiences and that of my constituents. I will continue to do this on the issues of concern that have been received including feeding back to the leadership of the Labour party.
I will continue to engage, represent views and take action where I can to ensure an end to violence and lasting peace.
Stephen Morgan MP
