Gaza: Humanitarian Situation

Several Members of Parliament asked the Minister of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Anneliese Dodds, about the steps the Government is taking to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Gordon McKee, Deirdre Costigan, Laura Kyrke-Smith, Bambos Charalambous, and Ruth Cadbury all raised concerns about the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with McKee noting the decrease in aid cargo entering the Gaza strip and the damage to hospitals. The Minister acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating that almost 90% of the population in Gaza have been displaced and that there is a risk of famine. She said the UK is providing significant humanitarian support and pressing Israel to allow for the safe and effective distribution of aid within Gaza. In response to a question from Richard Burgon, the Minister reiterated the need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and for Israel to protect civilians and aid workers in accordance with international humanitarian law. Deirdre Costigan asked about the impact of the UK's decision to resume funding to UNRWA, and the Minister explained that she had met with the UNRWA Commissioner-General to discuss the situation and the government's £21 million in new funds to support UNRWA's work. Conservative MP Kit Malthouse raised concerns about the humanitarian situation in the West Bank, and the Minister acknowledged these concerns, stating that the government is keeping all sanctions regimes under review. Liberal Democrat MP Dr Al Pinkerton asked for assurance that the Foreign Office will have a distinct role to play in the upcoming strategic defence review, and the Minister affirmed the government's commitment to working across departments to protect the UK's security. Conservative MP Greg Smith questioned whether Hamas prioritizes conflict with Israel over the wellbeing of Gaza's citizens, and the Minister emphasized the importance of ensuring that aid materials are provided directly to those in need and not misappropriated. SNP MP Brendan O'Hara raised concerns about the continued sale of weapons to Israel, and the Minister stated that the government must act with integrity and comply with all legal procedures. Liberal Democrat MP Richard Foord asked about publishing the government's legal advice on whether Israel is breaching international humanitarian law, and the Minister said the Foreign Secretary will ensure Parliament is fully updated on these matters. Finally, DUP MP Jim Shannon argued that the way to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza is to "get rid of Hamas," which the Minister acknowledged uses civilians as human shields, while reiterating the government's focus on protecting civilians and pressing for urgent humanitarian action.