Thank you to all those who have contacted me regarding the situation in Israel, in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon and the wider region as we approach one year since horrendous conflict began. Please be assured that I want an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, an increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza, and compliance with International Humanitarian Law.
Understandably, I have been contacted by a lot of constituents seeking my views on a wide array of matters with regard to this conflict. Therefore, this statement will address the following areas:
- The humanitarian situation
- Calls for a ceasefire
- Arms sale and trade to Israel
- International Court of Justice
- Israeli settlements in the West Bank
The humanitarian situation
For nearly a year now I have been disturbed by the scenes that have occurred due to this conflict. It has killed thousands of people and ruined so many people’s lives. For instance, I have had constituents contact me over the air strike on the al-Taba’een school building which killed more than 70 people. I also remain concerned about the lack of access to water in Gaza. In May of this year, it was reported that half of Gaza water sites were damaged or destroyed.
It is of paramount of importance that water and humanitarian aid is immediately increased. Last month the new Labour Government announced a £6 million package to provide a lifeline for vulnerable families, giving them access to basic food and water. This funding will also support the vaccination and immunisation of over 20,000 children, provide over 8,000 school-aged children with recreational activities to boost their wellbeing and help over 55,000 people in Gaza access clean water and sanitation.
The UK Government also recently restored funding to UNRWA, the UN agency working in the Palestinian Territories, committing £21 million in new funds. UNRWA supports more than 5.5 million Palestinians and almost 200 of its staff have died in this conflict.
Nevertheless, what is most needed is an end to the conflict.
Calls for a ceasefire
As I mentioned earlier in this statement, I support calls for a ceasefire and the release of all hostages. Therefore, this Labour Government will continue to use every diplomatic lever and urge for de-escalation and peace.
This Government is committed to working towards a credible and permanent two-state solution. This means a safe, secure Israel alongside a viable, sovereign Palestinian state. As a result, the Foreign Secretary has visited Israel and the Palestinian Territories and met with Israeli and Palestinian leaders and families of hostages.
I have nevertheless been concerned about how this conflict is starting to spill over into a regional war. Especially in Lebanon where we have seen a huge amount of escalation and loss of life in recent weeks. I will continue to call for an immediate ceasefire. It is never too late for peace. All parties must show restraint, invest in diplomacy and engage in ceasefire negotiations to stop more bloodshed.
Arms sale and trade to Israel
So many constituents have sent correspondence regarding the sale of arms to Israel. As many of you will know, Britain has suspended the sale of a number of arms components being used by Israel in Gaza. This came after it was concluded there is a real risk weapons could be used in violation of international humanitarian law following a review of commissioned in July.
This Government has repeatedly made clear to Israel its deep concerns regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza, however those concerns have not been addressed. Therefore 30 licences for components which go into military aircraft, including fighter aircraft, helicopters and drones, as well as items which facilitate ground targeting have been suspended.
On trade more generally with Israel, I am concerned that boycotts, divestment, and sanctions campaigns towards Israel are counterproductive. Rather we should be working towards calls for de-escalation and a diplomatic solution to securing a ceasefire deal and create the space for a credible and irreversible pathway towards a two-state solution.
International Court of Justice
There have also been reports of torture of Palestinians, with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights recently highlighting he had received claims that Israeli authorities may have used waterboarding and the release of dogs on detainees.
Additionally, former Israeli hostages have stated that they were deprived of adequate food and water whilst held captive, with some also saying they were beaten.
It is vital that international humanitarian law is upheld and that the independence of international courts must be respected. Furthermore, all sides must be held accountable for their actions.
As you know the International Court of Justice in July issued a non-legally binding opinion regarding Israeli settlement activity in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and occupation there and in the Gaza Strip. I can assure you the UK Government is carefully considering this opinion.
Israeli settlements in the West Bank
Rising settler violence has become daily life, and too often Israeli authorities have turned a blind eye. For instance, I was concerned to see reports that Israeli attacks on Palestinian water supplies in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip accounted for a quarter of all water-related violence in 2023. I also condemn violence and extremist rhetoric by Israeli settlers and call for the Israeli Government to act to prevent this and to hold perpetrators accountable. As stated previously, Israel has obligations as the occupying power under international law.
It must also be stated that illegal settlers do not just steal land and possessions. They snatch the hope of a two-state solution, the only prospect for a lasting peace across Israel and Palestine. The Labour party has previously called out illegal settlements in the West Bank and we will continue to do this.
Thank you for taking the time to read my statement on this conflict. I hope you are reassured that I want a ceasefire, the release of all hostages and peace to begin as soon as possible in the region. If you have any relatives in Gaza who may require my assistance, please contact me via email on janet.daby.mp@parliament.uk
