The situation in Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, and the wider region continues to remain deeply concerning and troubling. We need to reach an immediate ceasefire as well as the release of all hostages, an increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza, and compliance with International Humanitarian Law.
Since this long-lasting conflict began, I have received a lot of correspondence from concerned constituents, which has continued to be the case for over a year. Therefore, please see below my statement, which discusses the following areas:
- The Humanitarian Crisis
- Arms sales
- International Law
- Lebanon
Humanitarian crisis
Please be assured that I remain committed to pushing for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages to bring to an end the devastating violence. There has been a huge and tragic loss of life. We must not allow any more people, above all civilians, to lose their lives.
There is not enough aid going into Gaza. Added to this, the UN and others have warned that Palestinians are living in unacceptable conditions in many parts of Gaza. Israel must take urgent action to alleviate this crisis.
I am also concerned by reports that the humanitarian situation is deteriorating which includes the looting of aid vans. The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office is making urgent efforts to ensure that adequate aid reaches those who need it.
Furthermore, I am appalled and saddened that northern Gaza now has no fully functioning hospitals. I support the Government’s work with its international partners, including the UN, to put pressure on Israel to show the world it is complying with international humanitarian law. Meanwhile, The Israeli Knesset has restricted the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) work in Israel and we are seeing a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, and this decision will only compound the suffering.
I can assure you that the Government continues to call on Israel to cooperate fully with humanitarian agencies and help them carry out their work safely and effectively.
Arms sales and sanctions
This Government has been clear that Israel must, in taking military action to support its legitimate right to self-defence, adhere to international humanitarian law. As a result, it commissioned a review of UK arms export licensing to Israel.
Following this review and in line with the UK’s legal obligations, it found that there is a clear risk that military exports to Israel if used for military operations in Gaza, might be used in serious violations of IHL. Approximately 30 licences for exports to Israel for items that could be used in the current conflict were then subsequently suspended.
Whilst this is not a blanket ban on arms exports to Israel, it does effectively cover arms exports for use in the current conflict in Gaza. There is an exception for key components of the F-35, which is part of an international collaborative programme that plays an important role in NATO and our support for Ukraine. As the Government has stated, it is not possible to suspend all F-35 licences without undermining the global F-35 supply chain, which is crucial for the security of the UK and our allies.
International Law
As you will know, the International Criminal Court pre-trial chamber said it would issue warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant as well as Hamas’ leader Mohammed Diab Ibrahim Al-Masri. I have also noted that Amnesty International’s report, which accuses the Israeli Government of committing genocide against Palestinians.
International humanitarian law must be upheld, and the independence of international courts should also be respected. Consequently, I recognise the International Criminal Court’s jurisdiction over Gaza. However, due to the UK’s separation of power, enforcing these warrants in the UK would be the responsibility of UK courts and not the Government.
The Government has announced three sets of sanctions targeting illegal settler outposts and organisations. These sanctions are intended to stop those who have supported and sponsored violence against communities in the West Bank. Regarding further sanctions, I know the Government does not comment on them prior to implementing them. This is because commenting on sanctions is likely to reduce their impact.
Lebanon
As I have said in my constituency newsletter, I was pleased to see Israel and Lebanon agree to a ceasefire in late November. This will result in Israel and Hezbollah withdrawing their forces from Southern Lebanon. Now, only the Lebanese Army will operate there. Tension remains high, but I am pleased to see progress in this area.
Thank you for reading my statement on this distressing conflict. I will aim to update this statement in the coming months. Going forward, I want to reiterate my call for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all the hostages and an end to Israeli restrictions on aid. Only if these things are achieved will the intolerable suffering end.
If you have any relatives in Gaza who may require my assistance, please contact me via email at janet.daby.mp@parliament.uk