Dear Constituent,
Thank you for contacting me about the conflict in Gaza and the surrounding areas.
I receive substantial correspondence from constituents on this issue. My observation from this correspondence is that constituents are deeply moved by the profound human suffering of both the Palestinian people and Israeli citizens but understandably divided on the political path forward. My view remains that there is no simple moral binary in this conflict. It is a challenging situation, where the legitimate security needs of one nation and the humanitarian rights of a people are in constant, violent tension.
Following the barbarous attacks by Hamas on October 7th, I have consistently supported calls for the immediate release of all hostages. However, I have been equally clear that the suffering of innocent Palestinians is a matter of urgent global concern which requires action.
I am implacably opposed to the establishment of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, often reinforced by force or intimidation, and the recent comments by some of the extreme elements in the Israeli Parliament and Government to legitimise what is illegal in international law. It is something I wish the UK government would take a strong position on.
It is clear that more aid needs to be distributed securely, but we should not be under any illusions about the challenges. Before the peace plan, the Shadow Foreign Secretary repeatedly pressed ministers for assurances that aid is reaching the Palestinian people who need it rather than being diverted by Hamas to sustain their military infrastructure.
Under the last Government, the Office for Conflict Stabilisation and Mediation established a ‘Mass Atrocity Prevention’ Hub to bolster the UK’s role in these types of crises. This was complemented by the UK Civil Society Atrocity Prevention Working Group, which was established to help inform UK policymaking.
In the longer term, I remain supportive of finding a credible, irreversible pathway toward a two-state solution, however, for this to be viable, it cannot be a unilateral gesture. Such a solution must be a coordinated international strategy that ensures a sovereign Palestinian state can live side-by-side with a secure Israel. You can read more of my thoughts on this point on here.
Ultimately, I firmly believe that the UK must continue to support moderate voices on both sides and use our diplomatic leverage to facilitate stability.
Thank you again for getting in contact.
Sincerely,
