Constituents have rightly got in touch with me with their concerns following Hamas’s appalling terrorist attack on Israel on 7 October, and the subsequent suffering that has unfolded in Israel and Gaza.
Israel was a victim of terrorism on an unimaginable scale at the hands of Hamas, terrorism which remains ongoing with an estimated 200 civilians being held hostage in Gaza. However, we must not conflate Hamas with the Palestinian people, who are now facing a humanitarian emergency in Gaza.
We have seen children forced to flee their homes, clean water running out, and hospitals barely able to function. This is an urgent situation and civilians in Gaza need to know the world is not simply watching, but acting, to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.
Following my visit to the Occupied Palestinian Territories in September, I am liaising with and being briefed by charities such as Medical Aid for Palestinians and other humanitarian organisations, to specifically understand the situation on the ground, and ascertain ways in which I can help.
From those discussions, I recognise the urgency of the crisis that is unfolding, and that’s why I have been taking action to raise these concerns as your elected representative in Parliament.
Last week I wrote to the Foreign Secretary about the urgent need for a cessation of military activity by all parties, in line with the call by the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken for a humanitarian pause. You can read the letter here.
One of the other ways in which I have been taking actions forward, as well as raise concerns in the House of Commons, is by asking written parliamentary questions of the Government to seek assurances on what interventions they will be making in Israel, Gaza and here in the UK.
I asked the Government what support they are providing to Israel as a consequence of the terrorists attacks. Labour is calling on the Government to continue applying pressure on Hamas to secure the safe release of all hostages and evacuation of British Israeli and British Palestinians who wish to return to the UK.
With regards to the rapidly growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, I asked the Foreign Secretary what diplomatic steps he is taking with his international counterparts to help ensure the safe and unimpeded entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza in accordance with humanitarian principles.
I share constituents concerns that aid is being delayed at the border, and that without the restoration of fuel supplies, will not achieve its intended impact.
I recognise concerns regarding reports of innocent civilians losing their lives amid the conflict. I asked the Foreign Secretary what diplomatic steps he is taking to help ensure Israel (a) acts in accordance with international law and (b) protects civilians from harm. While Labour respects Israel’s right to defend itself, this must be proportionate and in line with international law. Israel must take all possible measures to protect innocent civilians.
I condemn the steep increase in antisemitism and Islamophobia in recent weeks as the Community Safety Trust, Tell Mama and police have reported. Hate crime has no place in Portsmouth and no place in our society, which is why I asked the Secretary of State for Home Affairs what actions her department is taking to combat this rise in hate crimes.
I have also written to the city’s Synagogue and local mosques to offer my full support and am liaising regularly with the police to seek assurance and understand any impact rising tensions in the Middle East may be having on our city’s communities. I will continue to monitor this situation closely.
The Labour Party remains committed to a two-state solution, that respects the self-determination of Israel, as well as the human rights and dignity of Palestinians.
In light of the extreme suffering that has unfolded and now set back the cause of peace, I asked the Foreign Secretary what steps his department are taking to help expedite negotiations between Israel and Palestine on ending violence and promoting peace.
Other questions I put to Ministers as developments unfold will also be posted here.
I will continue to take action in Parliament, listening to the views of constituents and working alongside humanitarian organisations, including Medical Aid for Palestinians who I visited the West Bank with in September, to play my full part and doing what I can to help end the unfolding catastrophe.
