Israel and Gaza

The Foreign Secretary, Mr David Lammy, opened the debate by outlining the government's position on the situation in the Middle East. He expressed deep disappointment at the ongoing conflict in Gaza, stating that the fighting must stop immediately and that much more humanitarian aid must be allowed to enter the region. He announced that the government is overturning the suspension of funding to UNRWA, the UN agency providing critical aid and services to Palestinian refugees, and will provide £21 million in new funds. The official opposition spokesperson, Alicia Kearns, welcomed the Foreign Secretary's statement and acknowledged the extensive work done by the previous government on this issue. She pressed for further details on securing the release of hostages and increasing the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Kearns also raised concerns about the risk of escalation, particularly with Hezbollah in Lebanon, and called for action against extremist settlers in the West Bank. The debate that followed saw members from across the House engage on a range of topics. Several speakers, including Layla Moran and Melanie Ward, emphasised the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and the urgent need for a ceasefire and restoration of aid. The question of recognising a Palestinian state was raised, with Moran urging the Foreign Secretary to take this step. There was also discussion around the government's assessment of Israel's compliance with international humanitarian law and the role of the International Criminal Court. Members from the government benches, such as Richard Holden, raised concerns about UNRWA's links to terrorist groups, which the Foreign Secretary sought to address by highlighting the findings of an independent review and the government's efforts to strengthen UNRWA's procedures. The debate also touched on the threat posed by Iran and the need to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation. Throughout the discussion, the Foreign Secretary reiterated the government's commitment to a viable and sovereign Palestinian state alongside a safe and secure Israel, and its determination to play a full diplomatic role in a renewed peace process. He acknowledged the complexities of the conflict and the need to listen to all sides, while emphasising the moral imperative to end the suffering of civilians in Gaza.