Constituents continue to email me with serious concerns about the conflict in Gaza.
I remain deeply concerned about the humanitarian conditions facing civilians in Gaza. The scale of displacement, the lack of access to essential supplies, and the strain on medical facilities are deeply troubling. Innocent people, including large numbers of children, are facing immense hardship. The UK has long stood for the protection of civilians in conflict, and I hope the Government will do all it can to support increased humanitarian access, uphold international law, and work with partners to relieve suffering wherever possible.
While I recognise the complexity of the situation and the serious security threats posed by groups such as Hamas and their backers, including Iran, I believe our response must be grounded in an unwavering commitment to international law, the protection of civilians, and the pursuit of lasting peace. It is essential that governments, including our own, support Israel’s right to defend its citizens from terrorism. No state should be expected to tolerate indiscriminate rocket fire or the kidnapping of its civilians. However, the manner in which that defence is conducted must comply with the principles of proportionality and the protection of non-combatants. We cannot credibly champion a rules-based international order if we are seen to support, or remain silent on, actions that result in mass civilian casualties, the destruction of vital infrastructure, and the deliberate obstruction of humanitarian aid.
The continued captivity of Israeli hostages by Hamas is indefensible and must be unequivocally condemned. Efforts to secure their immediate and safe release should remain a diplomatic priority. At the same time, we must acknowledge and respond to the immense suffering of Palestinian civilians—particularly the thousands of children who have been killed, injured, or orphaned. Their plight is not diminished by our concern for Israeli lives; indeed, our commitment to humanity demands we advocate for both.
Our engagement with the Palestinian Authority must also continue. Long-term peace will not come through military victory alone, but through diplomacy, reform, and accountability. It is right to expect the PA to make progress in areas such as education, welfare, and democratic governance. But equally, we must do more to support conditions in which that progress is possible—including a clear stance against settlement expansion and continued occupation.
There must also be serious, inclusive regional discussions about the future of Gaza—one that does not see the territory permanently decimated or politically colonised, but rebuilt and governed in a way that ensures dignity, security, and freedom for its people. Any future arrangement must be led by Palestinians themselves, with the full backing of international law. We must continue to call for a permanent ceasefire, restoring humanitarian aid at scale, upholding international law without exception.
