Campaign Reply - Israel and Palestine

A tragedy is unfolding in the Middle East. Israel has suffered the worst terror attack in its history at the hands of Hamas, and Palestinian civilians in Gaza are experiencing a humanitarian disaster. My thoughts are with all those affected. 

The UK recognises the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people, and supports a lasting solution for Israelis and Palestinians alike. However, Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people or their aspirations; it offers nothing for them other than more terror and more bloodshed. I therefore support Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas, deter further incursions and strengthen its long-term security.

However, the loss of every innocent life is a tragedy, and the UK Government has repeatedly stressed that Israel must take every precaution to minimise civilian casualties, in line with international humanitarian law. Ministers regularly engage with Israeli counterparts to ensure that the campaign is targeted against Hamas terrorists and military infrastructure, and call for discipline, professionalism and restraint from the Israeli military.

The rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza is deeply troubling, and I welcome the extensive efforts of British Government to ensure that vital aid reaches the Palestinian people. 

During his recent visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, the Foreign Secretary announced £30 million to support trusted partners, including UN agencies on the ground, to deliver lifesaving aid to people in Gaza. It brings to £60 million the additional aid announced by the UK for Palestinian civilians since the crisis started in October.

Funding alone is not enough, and work is ongoing to increase the flow of aid into Gaza; while the opening of the Rafah border crossing is a major development, the UK has confirmed that it will continue to work with Egypt, Israel and other international partners to increase the flow of support. 

I welcomed the recent pause in hostilities, which allowed for an increased flow of vital aid into Gaza and saw a number of hostages released. Ministers have made clear that the pause that took place between 24 November and 1 December should not be a one-off, and should act as a confidence-building mechanism for future pauses.

The UK Government is working towards a long-term two-state solution to ensure this crisis never recurs, and I am following developments closely. Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.

Specific to certain concerns:

 

-        Continued commitment to a two-state solution: Looking to the long-term, the UK Government has been clear that we must never lose sight of how essential the two-state solution is. The UK will work with our international partners to bring renewed energy and creativity to that effort. This will rely on establishing more effective governance for Palestinian territories in Gaza and the West Bank, and will also mean challenging actions that undercut legitimate aspirations for Palestinian statehood.

-        Calls for Israel to abide by International Law: The terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas are heinous and unprecedented, and I support Israel’s right to defend itself proportionately as guaranteed by Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. The UK recognises that Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people, and has made it absolutely clear to the Israeli Government that its military operations must be conducted in accordance with International Humanitarian Law. Civilians must be respected and protected. I know that both the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary have emphasised the importance of taking all possible measures to protect innocent civilians in their discussions with their Israeli counterparts.

I am proud that the UK has a strong track record of supporting international humanitarian law, and calls on friends and partners overseas to do the same.

-        In response to concerns about the use of language in relation to Palestine: I note your concerns about the language used by members of the Israeli Government. I would again like to emphasise that the UK Prime Minister has stressed to Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Herzog the need to act in line with international law and take every possible step to avoid harming civilians in Gaza.

-        Al Ahli Hospital: The explosion at the Al Ahli hospital caused devastating loss of life. It is a tragedy on a scale that is difficult to comprehend.

On the basis of the deep knowledge and analysis of UK intelligence and weapons experts, the UK Government has now judged that the explosion was likely caused by a missile, or part of one, that was launched from within Gaza towards Israel.

This incident only reinforces the importance of getting humanitarian relief into Gaza, and again, I welcome all UK efforts to that end.

-        Calls for a ceasefire: I note calls for the UK to push for a ceasefire.

The UK is working via all diplomatic channels—bilaterally and collectively in the region—to ensure that this conflict, which has cost so many lives already, can be brought to a halt. 

However, the reality is that Hamas have no interest in a ceasefire. They have no interest in resolution, have never attempted to engage in a two-state solution and have made every attempt to collapse the Oslo process. Furthermore, a unilateral and unconditional ceasefire would simply allow Hamas to entrench their position and continue their attacks. Indeed, Hamas have reiterated their intentions, stating clearly that "we will repeat the October 7 attack time and time again until Israel are annihilated". I must therefore reiterate that Israel has the right to take action to defend itself, and the UK, while respecting that, will continue to stress the necessity of adhering to international law and taking every possible measure to protect civilians. 

-        Concerns about Israel’s settlement expansion leading up to 7 October: As you may be aware, the UK has long held the position that there should be a negotiated settlement leading to a safe and secure Israel living alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state, based on 1967 borders. For many years the UK has consistently called- both bilaterally and via the UN- for an immediate end to all actions that undermine the viability of such a solution.

-        British nationals in Gaza: The safety of all British nationals continues to be the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s (FCDO) top priority. Following intensive engagement with Israel and Egypt, a number of British Nationals have been able to leave Gaza via the Rafah border crossing, and have been met with consular officials in el-Arish. I have been assured that the FCDO will continue to do all it can ensure that all remaining British nationals in Gaza can leave safely.

British nationals in need of assistance should contact +972 (0)3 725 1222 or +972 (2) 5414100. If they experience technical difficulties or if they are in the UK, call +44 20 7008 5000. British nationals in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including Gaza, are advised to register their presence with the FCDO. https://www.register.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/israel-20231009/tell-the-uk-government-youre-in-israel-or-the-occupied-palestinian-territories https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/israel.

-        Use of white phosphorus: I am aware of recent reports that Israel has been using white phosphorus in Gaza, according to Human Rights Watch. Israel however has categorically denied its usage.

While white phosphorus itself is not a prohibited substance, when used against civilian targets, it is considered an incendiary weapon under Protocol III of the Convention on the Prohibition of Use of Certain Conventional Weapons. The UK firmly believes that it must be used in accordance with international humanitarian law.

-        Jabalia Refugee Camp: I am aware of reports that an Israeli air strike killed dozens of people at Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza. As mentioned, the UK Government has repeatedly stressed that Israel must take every precaution to minimise civilian casualties, in line with International Humanitarian Law. The UK Government continues to press Israel to ensure that its campaign is targeted against Hamas leaders, militants and military infrastructure.

-        Al-Shifa Hospital: I understand your concern about the situation at the al-Shifa hospital in Gaza. 

Israel is facing an enemy which has enmeshed itself amidst civilian infrastructure, and is using the people of Gaza as human shields. However, as Israel carries out its military operation, the UK is clear that it must adhere to international humanitarian law and take every possible measure to minimise harm to civilians. This includes respecting the sanctity of hospitals. 

The suffering currently being experienced at the al-Shifa hospital is difficult to comprehend; it is tragic that innocent people, including young children and babies, have lost their lives there as a result of the lack of electricity.

The acute situation at al-Shifa further highlights the urgent need to get more aid into Gaza, and I welcome all that the UK is doing to this end. 

-        Children in Gaza: I too am deeply concerned by the suffering faced by children in Gaza. 

All parties to this conflict must ensure that their actions are proportionate and necessary, affording innocent civilians the protection that is their right under international law. Civilians, including children, must be respected and protected and our collective priority must be to alleviate this suffering, including at hospitals and schools.

The UK continues to make representations to the Israeli authorities on the troubling high number of Palestinian children who are not informed of their legal rights when detained, in contravention of Israel's own regulations. The UK welcomes the release of Palestinian detainees as part of the hostage deal brokered on 22 November, a crucial step towards providing relief to the families of the hostages and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Hospitals in the Occupied Palestinian Territories must be allowed to operate safely and treat the vulnerable, in accordance with international humanitarian law. The UK Government has provided an additional £30 million in humanitarian funding and has sent more than 51 tonnes of emergency relief for civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. This funding will support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency and other trusted partners to respond to critical food, water, health, shelter and security needs in Gaza.

-        Arms Exports: The UK Government takes its export control responsibilities extremely seriously and operates one of the most robust export control regimes in the world. 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.

Licence decisions take account of prevailing circumstances at the time of application and include human rights and international humanitarian law considerations. Export licenses are not issued where to do so would be inconsistent with the consolidated criteria, including where there is a clear risk that the items might be used for a serious violation of international law.