As the situation in Gaza continues individual concerns continue to arise. On the overall situation I can only repeat what I have already said. I want to see an end to this as soon as possible, along with everyone else. No one wants this to continue. The quickest way to end the conflict is to secure a deal which gets the hostages out and allows for a pause in the fighting in Gaza. Once this is done the Government must then work with international partners to turn that pause into a sustainable, permanent ceasefire. We need a ceasefire agreement that will end all violence.
Whilst the worlds media continue to focus on Palestine, Hamas continue their attacks on Israel. Only this month we have seen rocket attacks by Hamas in Ashkelon and Beersheba. The latter coming from a Hamas base in Rafah. Again, as I have said before, there is nothing that an individual MP can do to resolve this situation, and a limited amount that International Governments can do. If Hamas would release the hostages this would make it more likely to be able to come to an agreement.
There are repeated calls for the UK to put an arms embargo in place against Israel. Both the Foreign Secretary and the Deputy Foreign Secretary have reaffirmed the Government’s opposition to this. The Foreign Secretary has reviewed the most recent advice about the situation, and his latest assessment leaves the UK’s position on export licences unchanged. Israel needs to be able to defend itself, not only from Hamas but also from attacks such as the one by Iran.
The Foreign Secretary recently said that halting the UK’s supply of weapons to Israel would not be a wise path as it would only strengthen Hamas and make a hostage deal less likely. This position is in line with many of our partners who have also not taken the decision to suspend existing arms export licences to Israel. We continue to operate one of the most robust arms export systems in the world, enshrined in law through the Export Control Act. It is worth noting that the UK provides less than 1 per cent of Israel's weapons.
Family Visa Scheme
Some have asked for a special Gaza Visa Scheme to allow people to come to the UK to join relatives already here. There are currently no plans to introduce a scheme. However immediate family members of British citizens, and those settled in the UK, who wish to come here can apply under one of the existing family visa routes. The Government has said that individuals who meet these criteria should apply for a visa to enable them to enter the UK in the normal way, and that fee waivers are available to those who cannot afford the application fee. Exceptional circumstances may be taken into account, where certain requirements are not met.
UK Visas and Immigration is working closely with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to support family members of British nationals evacuated from Gaza who require a visa, signposting the necessary steps, and expediting appointments at the Visa Application Centre (VAC). VACs in the region such as Egypt, Jordan, and Turkey are open, and offering a full service.
UNRWA
There have also been repeated calls for the UK to reinstate its funding to UNRWA. The Government has said that they will reassess its position once it has read Catherine Colonna's final report, UNRWA’s response, and the ongoing UN Office for Internal Oversight Services investigation. Until that time there is nothing more I can add to my previous comments on this in my piece published on my website in February.
Previous articles on Israel and Gaza
John comments further on the situation in Gaza (April 2024)
John responds to recent issues raised on the situation in Gaza. (February 2024)
John comments on the situation in Gaza. (October 2023)
John comments on the situation in Israel, Gaza and the Middle East. (May 2021)
