Louise Haigh MP Fighting for Sheffield's future
I’ve been horrified by the collapse of the ceasefire and the renewed violence in Gaza. I strongly support an immediate ceasefire, the lifting of restrictions on aid, and sanctions on those responsible for ongoing atrocities. I recently spoke in Parliament calling on the Government to sanction Prime Minister Netanyahu and members of his government for their role in the devastation. I welcome the Government’s decision to act on these calls.
Most recently, I’ve written to the Foreign Secretary to oppose the Israeli Defence Minister’s shocking plan to forcibly transfer civilians in Gaza to a so-called “humanitarian city” in Rafah. This has rightly been condemned by legal experts as mass displacement, what many now recognise as ethnic cleansing. The UK must not stand by while such crimes unfold.
Gaza lies in ruins. Palestinians must not be forcibly moved to neighbouring states or have their territory reduced. They have the right to return to and rebuild their homes.
That’s why I support the immediate recognition of a Palestinian state. I welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement that the UK will support recognition at the UN General Assembly in September. Unless the Israeli Government takes steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza, agrees a ceasefire, allows UN aid to flow without delay, and making clear there will be no annexations in the West Bank.
It was important to see the Palestinian Ambassador to the UK welcome this announcement.
I am also pleased that this announcement was coupled with a demand for an immediate ceasefire, for UN aid to be allowed into Gaza on a continuing basis, and for the immediate release of the hostages. I know the Government is already taking immediate steps to drop humanitarian aid into Gaza with Jordan, getting injured children out of Gaza and into British hospitals, and strongly pressing for UN deliveries of aid to resume. But we must do more to address this worsening crisis.
Please know I will continue to speak out for a just and lasting peace based on human rights, international law, and the right of both Palestinians and Israelis to live in safety and dignity.