In any conflict situation there is a limit to what light any individual MP can shed on each and every development or each claim and counterclaim. In any given situation we have to wait for facts to emerge and hence I am writing periodically to respond on key issues raised with me to allow time to get a better understanding on the situation.
The one thing that does not change is the overall desire, that I think we all share, which is for the fighting to stop and an end to the terrible suffering in Gaza as soon as possible. In the short term we need to get aid in and hostages out, and then we need to progress towards a sustainable, permanent ceasefire, without a return to destruction, fighting and loss of life. I fully support the Written Statement that the Government put to Parliament on 23rd February setting out this position.
In the short term I am pleased that Israel has agreed to open up a number of new pathways for aid to Gaza under pressure from President Biden. These include the Erez Gate in northern Gaza will be temporarily re-opened for the first time since the start of the war and Ashdod Port will also be opened for humanitarian deliveries. More aid from Jordan will be allowed to enter via the Kerem Shalom Crossing. We all need to make sure that Israel delivers on this and that there is an improvement in the humanitarian situation in the area.
In the context of the history of this region the risk posed by this current conflict is high. When Hamas launched their attack on Israel it was almost certainly fulfilling a known terrorist strategy which would do just what it has done in provoking excessive retaliation. In its own defence Israel responded as anticipated and condemnation is turned away from the terrorist activity towards the defendant. The tragedy goes beyond the terrible loss of life and devastation that is set before us in the media to one that resonates geographically further as we have seen. Thus the importance of the peace process between Palestine and Israel.
For lasting peace there are several vital elements necessary including the release of all hostages; the formation of a new Palestinian Government for the West Bank and Gaza, accompanied by an international support package; removing Hamas’ capacity to launch attacks against Israel; Hamas no longer being in charge of Gaza; and a political horizon which provides a credible and irreversible pathway towards a two-state solution. The key problem remains that Hamas will not fulfil their side of this and until they do there is no opportunity for progress. I believe that the Foreign Secretary was right to say that, “if we leave Hamas in charge of even a part of Gaza, there will never be a two-state solution because you can’t expect Israel to live next to a group of people that want to do October 7th all over again”.
Ceasefire and Humanitarian Pause
The difference between a ceasefire and a humanitarian pause relates to the purpose of the suspension in hostilities –a humanitarian pause is to allow specific humanitarian activity to be conducted, while a ceasefire is a generalised suspension of hostilities. The UK Government is calling for an immediate pause to get aid in and hostages out, then progress towards a sustainable, permanent ceasefire, without a return to destruction, fighting and loss of life.
A sustainable ceasefire can only be reached with an agreement from both sides, and the removal of Hamas. As the Prime Minister has said, “just calling for an immediate full ceasefire now, which collapses back into fighting within days or weeks, is not in anyone’s interest”.
Hamas has repeatedly rejected Israeli proposals for a pause in fighting to secure the release of hostages held by Gaza. Most recently Hamas rejected one such offer ahead of Ramadan and was condemned by the UK and U.S.
As I have said previously, Hamas has always exploited ceasefires to rearm and expand its terror network within Gaza’s civilian population. Each time, this has led to greater bloodshed and suffering for both Palestinians and Israelis. The UK Government is rightly concerned that an unconditional ceasefire now would allow Hamas to once again regroup and the violent cycle will continue.
Humanitarian pauses remain the most effective way of ensuring that hostages get out and much needed humanitarian aid reaches Gaza’s civilian population.
UN Security Council Resolution 2728
I welcome the UN Security Council Resolution of 25th March, which reflects international consensus behind the UK’s position. The UK has long been calling for an immediate humanitarian pause leading to a sustainable ceasefire without a return to destruction, fighting and loss of life, as the fastest way to get hostages out and aid in.
However, as Foreign Minister, Andrew Mitchell set out in his Statement on 26th March there is regret that the resolution did not condemn the 7th October attacks on Israel. Neither is there a requirement for access to the Israeli hostages by the International Red Cross to assess their condition. The failure of the Resolution condemn the atrocities of 7th October endanger hostage negotiations.
My colleague Greg Smith summed up the situation well in his comments: “if the terrorists are allowed to continue to run Gaza, no matter how many ceasefires you have, no matter how many pauses you have, no matter how long this goes on, Hamas will rearm and their stated aim is the destruction of the State of Israel. Their stated aim is to kill people of the Jewish faith. So until they are removed from control in Gaza there can be no peace in the Middle East. There can be no security for Israel. We have got to get to a position where Hamas have been removed”.
The Death of Aid Workers
I am sure that no one was left untouched but the dreadful news of the airstrike that killed World Central Kitchen aid workers, including 3 British nationals, in Gaza. My thoughts and sincere condolences are with their families and friends at this incredibly distressing time.
On 2nd April, the UK Minister for Development and Africa summoned the Israeli Ambassador to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, where he set out the UK Government’s unequivocal condemnation of this incident.
On the same day, the Prime Minister spoke to his Israeli counterpart and demanded a thorough and transparent independent investigation into what happened. The Prime Minister also made it clear that far too many aid workers and ordinary civilians have lost their lives in Gaza, and that the UK expects to see immediate action by Israel to end restrictions on humanitarian aid, deconflict with the UN and aid agencies, protect civilians and repair vital infrastructure like hospitals and water networks.
I know that the UK Government is carefully reviewing the initial findings of Israel’s investigations into the killing of the World Central Kitchen aid workers and welcomes the suspension of two officers as a first step. These findings must be published in full and followed up with a wholly independent review to ensure the utmost transparency and accountability.
Trade Privileges
There are no plans to suspend the UK-Israel Trade and Partnership Agreement or to suspend negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Israel. However, I would like to assure you that the UK will maintain its long-standing foreign policy positions in this FTA, including with respect to the internationally recognised borders of Israel, and will continue to exclude illegal settlements.
I note continued concerns about arms exports and have written about this is an earlier article and repeat that all export licence applications are rigorously assessed on a case-by-case basis against the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria, based on the most up-to-date information and analysis available. The Export Control Joint Unit will not issue an export licence to any destination where to do so would be inconsistent with the Criteria, including where there is a clear risk that the items might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of International Humanitarian Law. The Government continues to monitor the situation in Israel and Gaza very closely and will take any action the Government considers appropriate as the situation develops.
Moreover, while I note your concerns about the importation of goods from the West Bank and other occupied territories, Ministers have been clear to British Businesses about the Government's view on the illegality of settlements under international law.
Indeed, under the UK-Israel Trade and Partnership Agreement, only Israeli goods originating from the State of Israel receive tariff preferences. Regarding the ongoing negotiations, the Government’s position is that only Israeli goods originating from the State of Israel will be covered by any FTA.
Previous articles on Israel and Gaza
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)
