What is unfolding in Gaza is unbearable – a crisis marked by unrelenting devastation, unimaginable loss and deteriorating humanitarian conditions. We are witnessing suffering on a scale we hoped never to see, and your voices should remind us all that silence is not an option. Conditions have deteriorated sharply over the past two years. What continues to unfold is a prolonged humanitarian tragedy that demands both attention and accountability.
Humanitarian Aid:
I continue to be disturbed by repeated reports of mass casualty incidents in Gaza, with innocent civilians killed in their attempt to access the aid they so desperately need. Such actions are exacerbating the already profound crisis as hunger and malnutrition run rampant across the enclave.
The token number of supplies, a drop in the ocean, making it into Gaza is nowhere near adequate and Israeli authorities continue to impose actively harmful constraints on humanitarian aid organisations and obstruct their response. The recent figure of 100 people already dead from starvation, with that figure likely to rise unless action is taken, sits at the front of my mind. The Israeli Government must allow for the UN and recognised aid organisations to accelerate the delivery of assistance, open its crossings, let aid in, and allow humanitarian staff to operate effectively and in safety.
The UK Government has announced £101 million in humanitarian aid and support for Palestinian economic development. The Prime Minister has also announced that the UK will be evacuating children and bringing them to the UK for specialist medical treatment. The UK is set to join Jordan and the United Arab Emirates in airdropping aid into Gaza – this is a welcome development in the face of unimaginable suffering. Whilst I am grateful that some aid is finally arriving, it’s painfully clear this is can only provide a small amount of the aid which is needed. Starvation is sweeping through Gaza, and while these airdrops may save lives today, they are no substitute for what is truly required: a sustained, unrestricted flow of humanitarian aid. People deserve dignity, access to food, medicine and safety. The real solution is to lift the barriers that are choking off aid and every moment of delay costs lives.
I have written to the Foreign Office to ask what actions the Government are taking to ensure the safe delivery of our airdropped aid supplies to the people of Gaza and what steps the Government is taking to lift other aid restrictions. I have also asked what additional steps the Government has considered to alleviate this humanitarian crisis.
The Need for a Full and Comprehensive Ceasefire:
We must continue to passionately and unequivocally appeal to the international community and all parties involved to come together and end this heartbreaking conflict. Every hour brings more suffering, and the time to act is now. There must be an immediate ceasefire to stop the bloodshed, and hostages held by Hamas must be immediately and unconditionally released. Equally urgent is the desperate need for a massive surge in humanitarian aid – food, water, medical supplies – to reach the people of Gaza, who are enduring unimaginable hardship. The world cannot look away. Peace is not just a political goal, it is a moral imperative, and we must all do everything in our power to bring peace to the people of Israel and Palestine.
Where I welcome the Humanitarian Pause which began on the 27 July, I do so with caution. Where this offers a brief glimmer of hope, steps must be taken in the direction of a lasting and sustained peace. The Prime Minister has said that in Gaza the situation is intolerable compounded by the lack of aid, indiscriminate killing and corralling people together with unlawful actions taking place in the West Bank. He added “We are trying to bring about a ceasefire, working with allies to create conditions for a political resolution – and a two-state solution”. The Foreign Secretary has recently met with Israeli and Palestinian leaders to stress the UK’s ambition and commitment to playing its full diplomatic role in securing a ceasefire deal and in creating the space for a credible and irreversible pathway towards a two-state solution. Bridges are built through dialogue, diplomacy and tact, not with the barrel of a gun and we must continue to bring all parties together. I will continue to work with the Government to secure a ceasefire, create a space for diplomacy and bring about an end to this conflict.
Recognition of the Palestinian State:
I have always maintained that a two-state solution is required for the security and stability of both the Israeli and Palestinian people, and we should remain engaged in seeking a resolution.
Palestinian statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people. Of course, we must stand firmly for the establishment of the Palestinian State under the terms of the two-state solution – not only because it is just, but because it is necessary for peace. Recognising the State of Palestine is more than just a political milestone; it is a vital step towards restoring dignity, hope and justice to a people who have suffered for far too long. I welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement on 29 July, charting a clear course towards the recognition of a Palestinian State at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September. This marks a vital step in our unwavering pursuit of peace.
Since taking office, this government has not wavered in its commitment. By suspending arms licences, imposing sanctions on extremist Israeli ministers, and halting trade negotiations, we have acted decisively and with moral clarity. These are not just policies – they are proof of our determination to shift rhetoric to meaningful change. The government is working urgently to build a global coalition committed to ending this immense suffering – the need is immediate and the moment for action is now.
I stood on a manifesto that made this pledge, and I am proud of to see the government turn promises into purposeful action. It is a sign of leadership that listens, acts and remains guided by the values of justice and humanity. For the British people, for the Palestinian people, for the Israeli people, and for all those yearning for peace, this is a moment of renewed hope and we will not rest until it becomes reality.
UK Arms Sales:
The Government launched a review into Israel’s compliance with International Humanitarian Law. It concluded that there is a clear risk that military exports to Israel, where used for military operations in Gaza, might be used in serious violations of International Humanitarian law. Consequently, the Government suspended 30 licences for arms exports to Israel with other licences being kept under continuous review. I have continued to monitor this and expressed concern in my last letter for the Foreign Office.
Many have raised concerns about the continued supply of spare parts for F-35 bombers used by the Israeli Military. The UK supplies spare components to a global pool of F-35’s which Israel can access via their allies, and the UK does not provide or sell these components to Israel directly. Owing to this supply framework, suspending our F-35 licences would undermine the global supply chain that is vital for the security of the UK, our allies and NATO and could endanger international peace. Furthermore, a recent court case has concluded these sales can continue. Where I share in your concerns, we must ensure that all our actions in the region would not be
detrimental to peace in another – however, I will continue to monitor this carefully and I will write to the Foreign Office regarding this issue for further clarification, and if any immediate and temporary steps could be taken in-lieu of a complete suspension of F-35 licences. The government will continue to review licences to ensure that our military exports are not used in violations of international humanitarian law and I will continue to regularly communicate with the Foreign Office on this matter.
Intervention in Iran:
The escalation of the conflict between Israel and Iran signified a moment of grave danger for the region. As tensions rose, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office was working to find an urgent space for diplomacy and this included meetings with the Israeli Government, the Iranian Government and other international partners across the Middle East, Europe and the US. I am incredibly glad that the ceasefire between Israel and Iran continues to hold, and I am proud of the work our government did in bringing this about.
I do not believe military action will put an end to Iran’s nuclear capabilities – it would only create greater risk and would bring about the death of more innocent civilians. I continue to support the Government’s efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons through diplomacy and will urge the Israeli Government to show restraint. Further negotiations are essential, and the UK Government is working to re-establish trust in the diplomatic process amongst the parties involved. I will continue to follow this situation carefully.
Sanctions & The International Criminal Court:
Concerning the International Criminal Court (ICC), please be assured that I and this Government is fully committed to upholding international law. I respect the independence of the ICC, and it is a key part of the international justice system – the UK Government recently joined 78 other nations in signing a joint statement to reaffirm continued and unwavering support for the independence, impartiality and integrity of the ICC.
If the UK were to receive a request for arrest and surrender or a request for provisional arrest from the ICC for an indicted individual who is visiting the UK, then these warrants go into a domestic legal process. It is this process through our independent courts that determine whether or not to endorse, or issue, the warrant in accordance with the UK’s ICC Act 2001. The UK will adhere to international law, and the enforcement of any arrest warrants in the UK will remain a decision for UK courts, not the Government.
The UK Government has taken the principled and necessary step of sanctioning Israeli settlers, ministers, settlements, and organisations in response to their ongoing incitement to violence and extremist actions. This is not just a matter of foreign policy – it is a stand against hatred, instability, and the erosion of basic human dignity. I fully support these actions and the
Government’s bold decision to suspend negotiations on a new free trade agreement. These actions send a clear signal: complicity in violence will not be ignored, nor rewarded.
Whilst the Government understandably does not comment on the potential future designations – in order to safeguard their impact – I continue to strongly endorse the use of sanctions as a critical tool to help end the grotesque and senseless conflict ravaging the region. Words are not enough. We must act with conviction, to stand in solidarity with those who suffer, and the Government is taking this action.
Israeli Settlements & Annexation of the West Bank:
The alarming surge in settler violence and the expansion of illegal outposts – sanctioned and enabled by the Israeli Government – pose a grave threat to the viability of the two-state solution. I remain unwavering in my belief that this solution is not only the most realistic, but also the most morally just path to a lasting and meaningful peace for both Palestinians and Israelis.
The Israeli Parliament’s recent symbolic vote in favour of annexing the occupied West Bank is deeply troubling. Annexation would erase any prospect of a viable Palestinian State, and shatter hopes for lasting stability in a region already devasted by loss and despair. We must stand firmly against any move that seeks permanent forced displacement of the Palestinian people – such proposals are an affront to international law, justice and human decency.
This dimension of the crisis is profoundly distressing, and I will remain vigilant in tracking its developments. I strongly welcome the Government’s bold and uncompromising measures to hold accountable the extremist and racist factions within the Israeli administration. Our resolve must not falter. We cannot, and will not, abandon the pursuit of peace. The two-state solution must remain our guiding principle, and I will continue to fight for it.
Media Access to Gaza:
The presence of journalists in warzones has long been a crucial safeguard against impunity – offering a voice to victims, exposing atrocities, and demanding accountability from those who wage war. In Gaza, this safeguard is being restricted.
Both the Israeli military and Hamas face serious accusations of crimes against humanity, and yet independent international journalists remain barred from entering Gaza. Despite Israel’s stated confidence in the integrity of its conduct, the continued exclusion of foreign press undermines transparency and raises grave concerns. This is not simply about protecting reporters – it appears increasingly designed to shield the war from global scrutiny.
Multiple news outlets have expressed deep alarm – not just for the physical safety of their Gaza-based teams, but for their ability to survive. Many journalists can no longer feed their families, all whilst risking their lives to tell the world what is happening.
This is untenable. Israel must immediately allow independent journalists access to Gaza and the truth must not be buried beneath siege and silence. When the world is denied access to truth in war, all sides escape accountability, and it is humanity which pays the price. I will continue to urge the Government to take every possible measure to facilitate the entry of independent journalists into Gaza and guarantee their protection.
What I am doing in Parliament:
I have once again written to the Foreign Secretary to express my deep concerns and to urge the Government to do everything within its power to restore the flow of humanitarian aid and bring an end to the devastating hostilities.
I have pressed the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for clear answers on the actions they are taking to support those in Gaza in desperate need of medical care, and to ensure that critical aid is reaching those affected on the ground and I will continue to do so.
My commitment to the two-state solution remains unwavering. I will not abandon hope for an enduring peace. So much damage has been done, but we must remain hopeful that this humanitarian crisis will come to an end. We must not look away.
My commitment to you:
I remain deeply committed to continuing dialogue and holding the Government to account in pursuit of a two-state solution – a solution that embodies the hope of lasting peace and brings an end to the relentless suffering. I will persist in pressing the Foreign Secretary and Ministerial colleagues at the Foreign Office to take bold, principled and effective action as we enact our plan for recognition and a wider peace.