The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke to Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday.
He reaffirmed the UK’s continued support for Israel’s right to defend its people against Hamas’ terror and ensure its long-term security.
The Prime Minister said the UK was deeply concerned about the loss of civilian life in Gaza and the potentially devastating humanitarian impact of a military incursion into Rafah.
He reiterated that the immediate priority must be negotiating a humanitarian pause to allow the safe release of hostages and to facilitate considerably more aid going to Gaza, leading to a longer-term sustainable ceasefire. For there to be lasting peace, Israel’s security must be assured.
The Prime Minister highlighted the scale of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and urged Israel to fully open the Kerem Shalom crossing and allow the maritime delivery of international aid through Ashdod port, which the UK stood ready to support on.
He noted the importance of continuing to abide by International Humanitarian Law and protecting civilian infrastructure like hospitals and shelters. The Prime Minister said more must be done to ease restrictions on humanitarian supplies and ensure the UN and aid agencies can reach civilians in need throughout Gaza.
The Prime Minister updated on his recent meeting with the families of British hostages held by Hamas and they discussed urgent ongoing efforts to bring hostages safely home, as well as steps to ensure any remaining British nationals who wish to leave Gaza are able to do l’so.
Turning to wider issues, the Prime Minister said it was vital to avoid inflaming tensions and undermining security in the West Bank. In the longer term, the UK continued to believe a viable two state solution was the best means to achieve lasting peace and stability for both Israelis and Palestinians.
They agreed that Hamas can have no role in the future governance of Gaza.
The leaders also discussed regional issues, and the Prime Minister set out how the UK is supporting efforts to de-escalate the situation on Israel’s northern border with Lebanon and avoid further conflict or threats to Israeli citizens.
WILL the conversation have any influence at all on Israel’s campaign in Gaza? Don’t hold your breath …
Lord Cameron will visit Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Qatar and Turkey to urge regional leaders to work with the UK to achieve a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza
Foreign Secretary to visit Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Qatar and Turkey to hold high-level talks with regional leaders to get more aid into Gaza, hostages out and reach a sustainable, permanent ceasefire.
David Cameron will focus on advancing discussions with the Israelis and Qataris for an urgent humanitarian pause in Gaza
He will build on efforts to secure the safe release of hostages, pushing forward the cases of British and dual nationals through all diplomatic routes.
The Foreign Secretary travels to the Middle East and Turkey this week where he will urge regional leaders to work with the UK to achieve a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza, so that Israelis and Palestinians can build a peaceful future together.
The Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary have set out the necessary elements for progress – Hamas must agree to the release of all hostages, they can no longer be in charge of Gaza and the threat from their terror and rocket attacks must end. An agreement must also be put in place for the Palestinian Authority to return to Gaza in order to provide governance and services and, increasingly, security.
In Israel, the Foreign Secretary will speak to Prime Minister Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Katz, calling for more to be done, more quickly to significantly increase the flow of life-saving aid into Gaza. He is also expected to raise UK concerns over the high number of civilian causalities.
The Foreign Secretary will reiterate that more crossing points need to be open for longer for aid deliveries to Gaza, including the port at Ashdod and the Kerem Shalom crossing, and that water, fuel and electricity must be restored during his meetings.
Foreign Secretary David Cameron said: “No-one wants to see this conflict go on a moment longer than necessary. An immediate pause is now necessary to get aid in and hostages out. The situation is desperate.
“This week I am in the Middle East working with partners to help build a plan to move from that pause to a sustainable, permanent ceasefire without a return to hostilities.
“Such a plan would require Hamas to agree to the release of all hostages, Hamas to no longer be in charge of Gaza launching rocket attacks at Israel, and an agreement in place for the Palestinian Authority to return to Gaza in order to provide governance and services and, increasingly, security.”
The Foreign Secretary will also meet with President Abbas and will highlight the UK’s long-term support for a two-state solution so that Israelis and Palestinians can live side-by-side in peace.
In Qatar, David Cameron will see first-hand UK-Qatar co-operation to get more humanitarian aid into Gaza for those who need it most, and meet counterparts to discuss how the two countries can work more closely together to do even more.
He will also hold detailed talks on efforts to secure the safe release of hostages, pressing the cases of British and dual nationals through as many diplomatic channels possible.
Qatar has been a key mediator throughout the conflict to allow for the release of hostages. It is important the UK continues to work with Qatar, and others in the region, to secure a sustainable ceasefire and the release of all further hostages held by Hamas.
The UK is working with both Qatar and Turkey to address regional instability, seeking the safe return of hostages, working together to tackle terrorism and support those affected by conflict.
In Turkey, the Foreign Secretary will meet Turkish Government leaders to discuss regional security in the Middle East alongside a range of other shared challenges. The UK and Turkey have a close partnership and will continue our essential work on tackling terrorism and illegal migration and shoring up support for NATO and Ukraine.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps will push for humanitarian aid to be delivered to Palestinians faster – including by sea directly into Gaza – when he visits the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Israel this week.
The trip will see him discuss options with leaders to provide civilians in Gaza with more aid and how the UK can support the Palestinian Authority, as well as efforts to prevent further escalation in the Middle East.
He will also discuss progress in recovering hostages – including a number of Britons – who were taken by Hamas terrorists during the 7 October attacks.
With Palestinian civilians experiencing a growing humanitarian crisis, the Defence Secretary will address options for providing Gaza with more medical and humanitarian aid, including potential routes via land, sea, and air. To date, four RAF flights carrying over 74 tonnes of aid have landed in Egypt with aid bound for Palestinians.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: ”My visit this week is an important opportunity to discuss efforts to accelerate the delivery of lifesaving humanitarian assistance into Gaza and efforts to secure the release of all remaining hostages.
We are working to find the best way to get aid and support to those in desperate need in the quickest and most direct route. That includes options by land, sea and air.
We have deployed an extra 1,000 military personnel in the Middle East and our forces are there to support the humanitarian aid effort and help in stabilising the area.
“The events of 7 October horrified the world and I personally want to offer my support and condolences to Israel and its people.
“We fully support Israel’s right to defend itself, but it is important their fight against Hamas terrorists remains within international law.”
In the OPTs, the Defence Secretary is expected to meet the Interior Minister of the Palestinian Authority, General Ziad Hab Al-Reeh, to address the urgent need for measures to improve security for Palestinians in the West Bank.
In Tel Aviv, the Defence Secretary will meet Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant to address the current security situation and Israel’s next steps.The UK has made clear that Israel has the right to defend itself against terror, restore its security and bring the hostages home, but it must abide by international humanitarian law and take all possible measures to protect civilians.
Since Hamas’ terrorist attacks against Israel on 7 October 2023, the UK has increased its military presence in the region in order to support contingency planning, monitor the evolving situation, and to be ready to react and respond to regional threats.
This included the deployment of a Royal Navy task group to the eastern Mediterranean, including RFA Lyme Bay and RFA Argus, three Merlin helicopters and a company of Royal Marines.
In support of the ongoing hostage rescue activity, the UK Ministry of Defence is also conducting unarmed surveillance flights over the eastern Mediterranean, including operating in airspace over Israel and Gaza.
In total, the UK has deployed an additional 1,000 personnel to the Middle East, bringing the total number of Armed Forces personnel deployed to the region to around 2,500 – including those deployed for counter-Daesh operations, training, and maritime security.
Last week, the Defence Secretary also announced that HMS Diamond is deploying east of Suez to join HMS Lancaster on Operation Kipion, the UK’s longstanding maritime presence in the Gulf and the Indian Ocean, following increasing concerns about the security of important maritime trade routes.
On Wednesday, the Defence Secretary also travelled to the Republic of Cyprus and the Sovereign Base Areas (SBA) of Akrotiri and Dhekelia. During this visit, he met with the Cypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs Constantinos Kombos and discussed the importance of humanitarian support for Gaza, the war in Ukraine, and shared security interests.
TODAY! Please note Edinburgh will meet at the earlier time of 12pm at Waverley Bridge. Please double check your nearest demonstrations time AND location.
Ceasefire now. Stop the genocide!
As with previous weeks, there haven’t been applications to march – though people may want to on the day.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has travelled to Saudi Arabia and will hold high-level talks with regional Foreign Ministers
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has travelled to Saudi Arabia after the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Tokyo
He will hold high-level talks with regional Foreign Ministers in diplomatic efforts to prevent escalation and work towards a two-state solution
He will push for a collective effort to get lifesaving aid into Gaza as quickly as possible, through as many routes as possible.
The Foreign Secretary will reiterate the UK’s commitment to prevent regional escalation to the crisis and increasing the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza on a visit to Saudi Arabia on 9 November.
James Cleverly will meet with Foreign Ministers from the Middle East, who are gathering in Saudi Arabia ahead of a League of Arab States emergency meeting on Gaza on Saturday.
He is expected to raise efforts to prevent wider regional escalation, including in Lebanon and Yemen, and offer continued UK support to bolster deterrence and counter threats from malign groups in the region.
The Foreign Secretary will also discuss initiatives to significantly increase the volume of aid reaching civilians in Gaza, including medicines, fuel and water, and ensure a pipeline of funds and supplies to support the relief effort. He will reaffirm the UK’s support for further humanitarian pauses in the fighting as soon as possible to deliver aid and provide a crucial window for hostages – including British nationals – to be released.
In his meetings with counterparts, the Foreign Secretary will also reiterate the UK’s condemnation of the rise in settler violence and call for Israel to hold those responsible to account to improve the situation in the West Bank. He will outline the UK’s support for reinvigorating diplomatic efforts towards a achieving a viable two-state solution.
His visit to Saudi Arabia follows on from his attendance at the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting, where attendees agreed on the urgent need to allow humanitarian pauses to facilitate urgently needed assistance, civilian movement and release of hostages.
The Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly said: “I have been focused on diplomatic efforts to secure the release of hostages, to ensure that foreign nationals can leave Gaza, to deter any escalation regionally and to facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid at scale.
“I will continue this essential work in Saudi Arabia where I will meet with a number of my counterparts in the region to explore how we achieve those aims quickly and also look to the future of a lasting, peaceful, and prosperous two-state solution for both Israelis and Palestinians.”
His visit follows the UK’s delivery of vital equipment and lifesaving aid to support civilians in Gaza and a £30 million increase in UK assistance to Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Since Hamas’ terrorist atrocities on 7 October, UK government ministers have been engaging with countries across the Middle East, as well as the international community.
The Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary have all visited the region in recent weeks to push for lifesaving aid to get into Gaza, support the return of British nationals, prevent dangerous regional escalation and back Israel’s right to self-defence.
Further funding to support immediate relief projects
First Minister Humza Yousaf has pledged a further £250,000 to support displaced people in Gaza access food, water, shelter and medical supplies.
The additional money takes the total given to assist relief efforts in Gaza via the United Nations Relief and Works Agency’s Flash Appeal (UNRWA) to £750,000.
The UNRWA Flash Appeal is specifically for Gaza where the unfolding humanitarian disaster is, with an estimated 1.4 million people displaced by conflict and military evacuation orders.
More than 670,000 people are currently seeking shelter in UNWRA shelters in Gaza.
First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “I have been repeatedly calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, but while we press this vital issue it’s important we support the Palestinian people as much as we can.
“The situation in Gaza is catastrophic which is why I’m pledging this additional funding to support in helping to stop the humanitarian disaster we are witnessing. As supplies run out in Gaza, the lives of innocent civilians are at grave risk from a lack of food, water, medical supplies and fuel.
“My thoughts remain with all of those caught in the middle of the escalating conflict in Israel and Gaza. The killing of innocent civilians can never be justified, wherever it occurs.”
Marta Lorenzo, Director of UNRWA Representative Office Europe said: “Scotland has proven that they stand hand in hand with Palestine refugees and those suffering in Gaza.
“Scotland is helping UNRWA provide shelter, food, medicines and water to entire families that had to flee their home. We are extremely grateful for the additional contribution from Scotland demonstrating the increasingly strong support to UNRWA.
“With this vital funding the Agency will be able to continue providing essential and life-saving aid. With the ongoing crisis deepening further each day it is vital for more donors to step forward and support the millions of people suffering in the Gaza strip.”
Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council emergency meeting on Gaza yesterday:
Thank you, President.
I’d like to thank Commissioner-General Lazzarini, Executive Director Russell and Director Doughten for your stark and clear briefings.
Let me start by recognising the courage, commitment and sacrifice of UN employees and humanitarian workers in Gaza, and in particular the 103 aid workers – including the 64 UNRWA staff – who have been killed in Gaza in the last 22 days.
We also offer our sincere condolences to all Palestinians and Israelis who have suffered or lost loved ones.
Since Hamas’ terrorist attack against Israel on 7 October, the United Kingdom has underscored Israel’s right to self-defence against terrorism. We continue to be clear that this must be done in accordance with international humanitarian law.
Our efforts, with our international partners, have focussed on the protection of civilians, securing and scaling up humanitarian access, and the release of hostages. Sadly, despite these efforts the situation in Gaza deteriorates daily. Hamas bears sole responsibility for starting this conflict.
President, I would like to highlight three priorities.
First, we call on all parties to respect international humanitarian law, including the principles of proportionality, distinction and necessity. This requires all parties to take every possible step to avoid the harming of civilians and the immediate and unconditional release of hostages.
Second, we must urgently co-operate to scale up aid into Gaza, and to ensure sufficient access points are open.
For this to happen successfully there needs to be a safer environment, which necessitates humanitarian pauses. We support UN-led efforts in this regard.
Since the latest escalation in Gaza, the UK has committed over $36 million in additional aid to the Occupied Palestinian Territories. An RAF flight arrived in Egypt on 25 October carrying 21 tonnes of UK aid for Gaza. But the access environment needs to improve immediately so that these and other lifesaving resources can reach the people who desperately need them.
Third, we cannot allow this conflict to spread. We call on all countries in the region to help avoid escalation and warn non-state actors not to exploit the current situation.
President, the Palestinian Authority has a key role as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. We call on Israel and other states to support the PA. We call on Israeli authorities to tackle the rising number of settler attacks and killings in the occupied West Bank, recalling that it is their responsibility to protect Palestinian civilians there.
The UK retains the long-term goal of a Two State Solution with Israel and Palestine coexisting peacefully.
To reach that goal, we have a responsibility to ensure a plan for Gaza that offers the population hope, security, stability, prosperity, and effective governance so that their political wishes can be fulfilled. In this regard, some fundamental principles apply.
There should be no mass displacement of Gazans to neighbouring countries. The Palestinian Authority should play a central role. And nothing should be done that cuts across progress towards a Two State Solution, with Gaza as an integral part of a Palestinian state.
Senior Jewish and Muslim faith leaders issue joint statement with FM
First Minister Humza Yousaf has joined faith leaders in Scotland to express a steadfast commitment against all forms of hate crime, bigotry and xenophobia.
In a joint statement, the First Minister and senior religious representatives of Scotland’s Jewish and Muslim communities have pledged to continue working together to foster community cohesion and goodwill across Scotland.
A copy of the joint statement from the First Minister and faith leaders is below:
We express today our mutual respect and understanding, recognising our common humanity, and with love and compassion, knowing that our hearts are full of pain. We also acknowledge the suffering caused to innocent life as a result of recent events and wholeheartedly pray for the full recovery of the many injured and for those who have lost loved ones.
In times of crisis, it is important for our faith communities, and all communities in Scotland, to reaffirm our relationships and maintain our continuing dialogue. We are steadfast in our commitment against all forms of hate crime, bigotry and xenophobia and we are proud of the strong inter-faith tradition in Scotland.
We stand together in solidarity to reassure our communities of that continuing commitment. We will continue to work together to foster community cohesion and goodwill across Scotland, so that everyone can live in safety. We are proud of our close and strong working relationships, built up over many years, and which allows us the ability to work with confidence and trust.
Humza Yousaf, First Minister of Scotland
Rabbi Moshe Rubin, Senior Rabbi of Scotland
Chief Imam Dr. Sayed Razawi
Shaykh Hassan Rabbani, Chair of the Scottish Muslim Forum
Rabbi Eliran Shabo, Jewish Chaplain of Scotland Universities
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made an oral statement to the House of Commons yesterday on the latest situation in Israel and Gaza:
Mr Speaker, last week I visited the Middle East, bringing a message of solidarity with the region against terror and against the further spread of conflict.
I met with the leaders of Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt and the Palestinian Authority to coordinate our response to the crisis before us but also to renew the better vision of the future that Hamas is trying to destroy.
I travelled first to Israel. It is a nation in mourning. But, Mr Speaker, it is also a nation under attack.
The violence against Israel did not end on the 7th of October. Hundreds of rockets are launched at their towns and cities every day. And Hamas still holds around 200 hostages, including British citizens.
In Jerusalem I met some of the relatives – who are suffering unbearable torment. Their pain will stay with me for the rest of my days. I am doing everything in my power – and working with all of our partners – to get their loved ones home.
So in my meetings with Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Herzog I told them once again that we stand resolutely with Israel in defending itself against terror.
And I stressed again the need to act in line with international humanitarian law and take every possible step to avoid harming civilians. It was a message delivered by a close friend and ally.
I say it again, we stand with Israel.
Mr Speaker, I recognise that the Palestinian people are suffering terribly. Over 4,000 Palestinians have been killed in this conflict. They are also the victims of Hamas, who embed themselves in the civilian population.
Too many lives have already been lost. And the humanitarian crisis is growing.
I went to the region to address these issues directly.
In Riyadh then Cairo, I met individually with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman from Saudi Arabia, the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, President Sisi in Egypt and President Abbas of the Palestinian Authority.
This is further to my meeting with the King of Jordan last week and calls with other leaders and my Rt Hon Friend the Foreign Secretary’s extensive travel in the region.
Mr Speaker, there are three abiding messages from these conversations. The first is that we must continue working together to get more humanitarian support into Gaza. The whole House will welcome the limited opening of the Rafah crossing.
It is important progress, and testament to the power of diplomacy. But it is not enough. We need a constant stream of aid pouring in, bringing the water, food, medicine and fuel that is so desperately needed. So we will keep up the diplomatic pressure.
We have already committed £10 million of extra support to help civilians in Gaza.
And Mr Speaker, I can announce today that we are going further. We are providing an additional £20 million of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza – more than doubling our previous support to the Palestinian people.
There are major logistical and political challenges to delivering this aid – which I discussed with President Sisi. My Rt Hon Friend the Development Minister is leading an effort to ensure the maximum amount of aid is prepositioned, with UK support, ready to deliver.
We’re also working intensively to ensure that British nationals trapped in Gaza are able to leave through the Rafah crossing when it properly reopens.
The second message, Mr Speaker, is that this is not a time for hyperbole and simplistic solutions. It is a time for quiet and dogged diplomacy that recognises the hard realities on the ground and delivers help now. And we have an important role to play.
In all of my meetings, people were clear that they value Britain’s engagement. The UK’s voice matters.
We have deep ties across the region – ties of defence, trade and investment, but also of history. President Abbas pointed to that history. Not the British mandate in Palestine or the Balfour declaration but the UK’s efforts over decades to support the two-state solution.
And that brings me to my third point, Mr Speaker. Growing attacks by Hezbollah on Israel’s northern border, rising tensions on the West Bank and missiles and drones launched from Yemen show that some are seeking escalation.
So we need to invest more deeply in regional stability and in the two-state solution.
Last night I spoke to the leaders of the US, Germany, France, Italy and Canada. We are all determined to prevent escalation. That’s why I am deploying RAF and Royal Navy assets monitoring threats to regional security and supporting humanitarian efforts.
Mr Speaker, our support for a two-state solution is highly valued across the region. But it can’t just be a clichéd talking point to roll out at times like this.
The truth is that in recent years energy has moved into other avenues like the Abraham Accords and normalisation talks with Saudi Arabia. We support those steps absolutely, and believe they can bolster wider efforts.
But we must never lose sight of how essential the two-state solution is. So we’ll work together with our international partners to bring renewed energy and creativity to this effort.
It will rely on establishing more effective governance for Palestinian territories in Gaza and the West Bank. It will also mean challenging actions that undercut legitimate aspirations for Palestinian statehood.
Mr Speaker, Hamas care more about their paymasters in Iran than the children they hide behind. So let me be clear, there is no scenario where Hamas can be allowed to control Gaza or any part of the Palestinian Territories. Hamas is not only a threat to Israel but to many others in the region.
All the leaders I met agree that this is a watershed moment – it’s time to set the region on a better path.
Mr Speaker, I also want to say a word about the tone of the debate.
When things are so delicate, we all have a responsibility to take additional care in the language we use and to operate on the basis of facts alone.
The reaction to the horrific explosion at the al-Ahli Arab hospital was a case in point. As I indicated last week, we have taken care to look at all the evidence currently available. Mr Speaker, I can now share our assessment with the House.
On the basis of the deep knowledge and analysis of our intelligence and weapons experts the British government judges that the explosion was likely caused by a missile – or part of one – that was launched from within Gaza towards Israel.
The misreporting of this incident had a negative effect in the region – including on a vital US diplomatic effort – and on tensions here at home. We need to learn the lessons and ensure that in future there is no rush to judgment.
Mr Speaker, we have seen hate on our streets again this weekend. We all stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people – that is the message I brought to President Abbas – but we will never tolerate antisemitism in our country.
Calls for Jihad on our streets are not only a threat to the Jewish community, but to our democratic values. And we expect the police to take all necessary action to tackle extremism head on.
Mr Speaker, this a moment for great care and caution – but also for moral clarity. Hope and humanity must win out against the scourge of terrorism and aggression.
The 7 October attack was driven by hatred. But it was also driven by Hamas’s fear that a new equilibrium might be emerging in the Middle East, one that would leave old divisions behind and offer hope of a better, more secure, more prosperous way forward.
It is the same motivation that drives Putin’s war on Ukraine: the fear of Ukraine’s emergence as a modern, thriving democracy and the desire to pull it back into some imperialist fantasy of the past.
Putin will fail. And so will Hamas.
We must keep alive that vision of a better future, against those who seek to destroy it. Together with our partners, that is what we will do.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak yesterday made an oral statement to the House of Commons on the latest situation in Israel and Gaza
Mr Speaker, the attacks in Israel last weekend shocked the world. Over 1,400 people murdered, one by one. Over 3,500 wounded. Almost 200 taken hostage.
The elderly men, women, children, babies in arms – murdered, mutilated, burned alive. We should call it by its name: it was a pogrom.
Mr Speaker, the families of some of the missing are in the public gallery today.
We called for the immediate release of all hostages.
And I say to them. We stand with you. We stand with Israel.
The murdered and the missing come from over 30 countries – including the United Kingdom.
The terrible nature of these attacks means it is proving difficult to identify many of the deceased.
But with a heavy heart, I can inform the House that at least 6 British citizens were killed. A further 10 are missing, some of whom are feared to be among the dead.
We are working with Israel to establish the facts as quickly as possible, and we are supporting the families who are suffering unimaginable pain.
We are also helping British citizens who want to leave Israel.
We have organised 8 flights so far, bringing out over 500 people, with more flights leaving today.
We are working with neighbouring countries on land evacuations for our citizens in Gaza and the West Bank.
I have spoken specifically to President Sisi about supporting civilians to leave Gaza via the Rafah border crossing – which at present remains closed.
And we have a Border Force team in Egypt working with our Embassy to help citizens when they are able to cross.
I will come back to the grave humanitarian situation in Gaza for a moment.
But first, Mr Speaker I want to address the British Jewish community directly. As I said at Finchley United Synagogue last week and a Jewish school I visited this morning – we stand with you, now and always.
This atrocity was an existential strike at the very idea of Israel as a safe homeland of the Jewish people.
I understand why it has shaken you to your core.
And I am sickened that antisemitic incidents have increased since the attacks.
We are doing everything we can to protect you.
We are providing an additional £3 million for the Community Security Trust to protect schools, synagogues, and other Jewish community buildings.
And we are working with the police to ensure that hate crime and the glorification of terror is met with the full force of the law.
I know the whole house will support this – and join me in saying unequivocally: We stand with the Jewish community.
Mr Speaker, I also recognise that this is a moment of great anguish for British Muslim communities, who are also appalled by Hamas’ actions but fearful of the response.We must listen to these concerns with the same attentiveness.
Hamas is using innocent Palestinian people as human shields – with the tragic loss of more than 2,600 Palestinian lives, including many children.
We mourn the loss of every innocent life – civilians of every faith, every nationality who has been killed.
And so let’s say it plainly: we stand with British Muslim communities too.
Mr Speaker, Israel was founded not just as a homeland for the Jewish people, but as a guarantor of their security.
To ensure that what happened to the Jewish people in the Holocaust could never happen again.
Through its strength and resilience Israel gradually achieved some of that longed for security.
Despite the strategic threats on their borders, including Hezbollah in the north, with Iran at their back.
They normalised relations with the UAE and Bahrain through the Abraham Accords and moved towards normalising ties with Saudi Arabia.
Steps that not long ago were thought unthinkable.
One reason why this attack is so shocking is that it is a fundamental challenge to any idea of coexistence.
Which is an essential precursor to peace and stability in the region.
Mr Speaker, the question is: how should we respond?
I believe we must support, absolutely, Israel’s right to defend itself. To go after Hamas, take back the hostages, deter further incursions, and strengthen its security for the long term.
But this must be done in line with international humanitarian law but also recognising that they face a vicious enemy that embeds itself behind civilians.
As a friend, we will continue to call on Israel to take every possible precaution to avoid harming civilians.
I repeat President Biden’s words – as democracies “we are stronger and more secure when we act according to the rule of law.” Humanity. Law. Decency. Respect for human life.That’s what sets us apart from the mindless violence of the terrorist.
Mr Speaker, there are three specific areas where the UK is helping to shape events.
First, we are working to prevent escalation and further threats against Israel.
On Friday, RAF surveillance aircraft began patrols to track threats to regional security.
I have deployed a Royal Navy task group to the eastern Mediterranean – including RFA Lyme Bay and RFA Argus, 3 Merlin helicopters and a company of Royal Marines. Ready both to interdict arms and support the humanitarian response. And we are bolstering our forces in Cyprus and across the region.
Let me be clear, we are not engaging in fighting or an offensive in Gaza. But we are increasing our presence to prevent broader regional instability at this dangerous moment.
Second, Mr Speaker, I’m proud that we are a longstanding and significant provider of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people. And I can announce today that we are increasing our aid by a third, with an additional £10 million of support.
An acute humanitarian crisis is unfolding, to which we must respond. We must support the Palestinian people – because they’re victims of Hamas too.
Like our allies, we believe that Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people, or their legitimate aspirations to live with equal measures of security, freedom, justice, opportunity and dignity.
Hamas simply does not stand for the future that Palestinians want.
And they seek to put the Palestinian people in harm’s way.
So we must ensure humanitarian support urgently reaches civilians in Gaza. This requires Egypt and Israel to allow in the aid that is so badly needed.
We also need to keep the situation in the West Bank in the forefront of our minds at this moment of heightened sensitivity.
Earlier today, I spoke to Mahmoud Abbas, the leader of the Palestinian Authority, to express our support for his efforts to provide stability.
Third, we will use all the tools of British diplomacy to sustain the prospects of peace and stability in the region.
Ultimately, that requires security for Israelis and Palestinians and a two-state solution. So we’re increasing our regional engagement.
I have spoken to Prime Minister Netanyahu twice in the last week, along with the United States, France, Germany, Italy and others.
My Right Honourable Friend the Foreign Secretary was the first to visit Israel after the attacks.
I met with His Majesty the King of Jordan yesterday – a long-time voice of reason and moderation.
I have spoken today with the leaders of Turkey and previously Egypt … and will speak to others in the coming days.
Our partners in the region have asked us to play a role in preventing further escalation. That is what we will do.
However hard it is, we need to ask the tough questions about how we can revive the long-term prospects for a two-state solution, for normalisation and regional stability.
Not least because that is precisely what Hamas has been trying to kill.
In conclusion, Mr Speaker, unequivocally backing Israel’s right to defend itself.
Stepping forward with humanitarian support.
Working to protect civilians from harm. And straining every sinew to keep the flame of peace and stability alive. That is our objective.
It is the right approach for the region. It is the right approach for Britain.
