Today, we share an important update regarding our initial steps to address the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. The British Government is calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, where civilians are enduring severe hardships, and the Palestinian people’s rightful claim to statehood remains unfulfilled.

David Lammy’s recent visit to Israel and the occupied territories involved meaningful dialogue with leaders on both sides, underscoring our dedication to finding a resolution. Keir Starmer has also engaged directly with President Abbas and Prime Minister Netanyahu. From the start, resolving this conflict has been our top priority.

Key points of our approach include:

• Immediate Ceasefire and Hostage Release: The fighting must stop, and hostages must be released without delay to prevent further suffering and loss of life.
• Increased Humanitarian Aid: It is imperative that significantly more humanitarian aid reaches Gaza. Despite Israel’s promise of substantial aid in April, they have imposed unreasonable restrictions. The situation in Gaza is dire, with more aid workers killed there this year than in all other global conflicts combined. These individuals are heroes, and their reports from the ground are devastating.
• Opposition to Settlement Expansion: The recent escalation of violence and the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank—more in 2024 than in the past two decades combined—are entirely unacceptable. Our Government will vigorously challenge any actions that undermine the pursuit of a two-state solution.
•  Support for UNRWA: Aid agencies, particularly the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), play a crucial role in ensuring that UK support reaches civilians. UNRWA is indispensable, currently providing food to over half of Gaza’s population and essential for future reconstruction. We are confident in UNRWA’s adherence to high standards of neutrality and effectiveness. Therefore, we are overturning the suspension of UNRWA funding, committing £21 million in new funds to support their life-saving work.

Our overarching goal is clear: to establish a viable, sovereign Palestinian state alongside a safe and secure Israel. We are committed to playing a full diplomatic role in the peace process and will contribute to this by recognizing the state of Palestine.

Upholding international law is a cornerstone of our policy. Upon taking office, we initiated a comprehensive review of Israel’s compliance with international humanitarian law, and David Lammy will update the House once this review is complete.

We recognise the immense pain and anguish on all sides and remain dedicated to finding a just and lasting solution.

Louise Haigh MP