The death and destruction in Gaza continues to be intolerable.
This war must end now, which is why I have been making the case since last year for the international community to call for an immediate ceasefire, complied with by both sides.
From day one of the new Labour Government, it has been a top priority to address the devastating situation in Gaza.
This government’s position is crystal clear: Britain wants an immediate ceasefire. The fighting must stop. Hamas must immediately release all the hostages who remain so cruelly detained. Much, much more aid must enter Gaza to alleviate the suffering. Israel must lift the impossible and unacceptable restrictions on aid. There must be de-escalation between Hezbollah and Israel on the Northern border.
These are the messages delivered directly by Labour Ministers at the highest levels on recent visits to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories earlier this month. The Prime Minister has also spoken to both Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas.
The Government sincerely hopes the parties will agree a ceasefire along the lines proposed by President Biden as a matter of urgency. The UK is bringing all of its diplomatic weight to bear to achieve that outcome. This horror must end now.
Given the scale of catastrophe in Gaza, humanitarian aid is a moral necessity.
On Friday last week, it was announced by the Labour Government that the UK would restore funding to UNRWA, overturning the previous Conservative government’s suspension. This is an example of the difference the new government is making.
UNRWA plays an indispensable role in the delivery of aid to Gaza, and its staff have suffered terrible losses in this conflict. The UK remains confident that its leadership is taking forward the reforms outlined in the independent Colonna Report.
Discussions are under way with international partners on the need for planning for what follows, on reconstruction, governance and security, and for reforming and empowering the Palestinian Authority.
I know that other aspects of this crisis are of great interest to many in Portsmouth South, including in relation to exports controls. As soon as this Government took office, officials were tasked with a comprehensive review of Israel’s compliance with international humanitarian law in this conflict, and that process is now under way.
The Government fully recognises the importance of these issues and the need to act with speed. It is also essential that this process is followed rigorously and assesses all the available evidence.
This process will be completed as soon as possible and, as explained to the House on Friday, the Government will outline any decisions with transparency and accountability.
This Government’s overarching goal is clear: a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state. There is no way out of this crisis without a route to both Palestinians and Israelis enjoying security, justice and opportunity in lands that they can call their own.
Palestinian statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people. It is not in the gift of any neighbour and is also essential to the long-term security of Israel. The Government is committed to recognising a Palestinian state as a contribution to a renewed peace process.
In Parliament, I have been consistently applying pressure since December through a series of lobbying of Ministers with written parliamentary questions, a letter to the former Foreign Secretary calling for urgent action, followed by a vote in Parliament in February for a pathway to a permanent ceasefire adhered to by both sides.
I know this issue is of deep concern to many – as it is to myself. I want you to know that the new Government is focused on working with international partners to address the situation in Gaza and playing its full part in advancing the cause of peace.
I will also continue using all avenues available to me as a constituency MP to call for an end to the violence and to support a path to lasting peace.