Tag: Palestine

Holyrood votes for immediate Gaza ceasefire

FIRST MINISTER CALLS FOR RECOGNITION OF STATE OF PALESTINE

MSPs have voted in favour of an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas, following a debate in the Scottish Parliament.

Opening the debate, First Minister Humza Yousaf said the chamber was unified in resolute condemnation of Hamas’ abhorrent terrorist attacks and the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza.

This followed a letter sent by the First Minister to the Prime Minister and Sir Keir Starmer this morning, calling for the UK to officially recognise the State of Palestine in order to break the political impasse that has condemned Israelis and Palestinians to successive cycles of violence.

The First Minister said: “In Scotland, the Muslim and Jewish communities have enjoyed decades of friendship, decades of shared humanity and faith. Nowhere is that more evident than in East Renfrewshire, home of Scotland’s largest Jewish community, and a significant Muslim population too, who have lived side-by-side in harmony for many years.

“But we cannot be complacent. We must all be proactive in rooting out any hint of Islamophobia or antisemitism wherever it occurs. Presiding Officer, even though it feels impossible to look past the current horrors of war, we must ensure that this perpetual cycle of violence that we see occur far too often finally ends, once and for all, in a peaceful resolution.

“To that end, there must be a renewed, and serious international effort towards a two-state solution. Israeli and Palestinian states that can co-exist in safety, security and with equal rights for each of its citizens.

“Unfortunately, the world has not kept its promise to the Palestinian people. They have not been given a free sovereign state, along the 1967 borders, as they were promised. Quite the opposite.

“The continued expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank is not only illegal but works against a peaceful resolution. So it is simply not enough anymore to pay lip-service to a two-state solution, we must take steps to turn that into a reality.

“To that end, I have written to the Prime Minister, and to Sir Keir Starmer, and urged them to immediately take steps to ensure the UK recognises the State of Palestine. It is only with full recognition of Palestine, as a State in its own right, that we can truly move forward towards a two-state solution.

“To conclude, Presiding Officer, to prevent further deaths, the bombs, the rockets – they must stop. The Scottish Government continues to call for an immediate ceasefire, for the safe release of all hostages, for an end to the killing of innocent civilians in Gaza, for an end to the siege of Gaza, and for all parties to abide by international law.

“The UK government and the international community must use their influence to prevent the further loss of innocent life. Every child the world over deserves to grow old. The children of Gaza and Israel deserve nothing less. It is our moral obligation to act. Let us hope even in these, the darkest of times, that humanity prevails.”

Gaza and Israel debate: First Minister’s Speech

UK urged to use influence to end violence in Gaza  

First Minister Humza Yousaf has written to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak calling for the United Kingdom to officially recognise the State of Palestine to break the political impasse that has condemned Israelis and the Palestinians to successive cycles of violence.

The FM’s appeal came on the day Scotland’s MSPs voted in favour of ceasefire in Palestine.

The letter, sent ahead of a debate on the situation in the Middle East in the Scottish Parliament yesterday, has also been sent to the Leader of the Opposition in the UK Parliament Sir Keir Starmer.

The First Minister later opened the Holyrood debate on a Government motion which condemned the Hamas atrocities on 7 October, called for the release of the hostages and for all parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire.

First Minister letter to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak

First Minister letter to the Leader of the Opposition in the UK Parliament Sir Keir Starmer

GAZA CRISIS: An Open Letter from Edinburgh Councillors

EDINBURGH COUNCILLORS CALL FOR IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE

We are horrified by the situation unfolding in Gaza, and are calling for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the blockade of Gaza to allow urgent and unconditional food, water, fuel and medical supplies to enter the area.

Under international law collective punishment is illegal, as is blockading food, medicine and fuel supplies to the civilian population, and we therefore recognise the actions of the Israeli Government to be war crimes.

We condemn the killing and hostage taking of Israeli civilians by Hamas; the ongoing
blockade of Gaza and occupation of the West Bank by Israel, deemed illegal by the United Nations; and the killing of Palestinians by the current Israeli blockade, bombardment, and ground offensive into Gaza.

We call for the immediate release of all hostages, and safe passage for Palestinians and others seeking to leave Gaza and the West Bank, with a commitment that they will be able to return.

We recognise Israel’s actions towards Palestine as apartheid, in line with human rights experts such as Amnesty International and call for an end to the occupation of Palestine.

We assert that all forms of racism, including anti-Palestinian racism, antisemitism and Islamophobia have no place in our city and condemn any attacks on Palestinian, Jewish or Muslim people.

We welcome the demonstrations of support for an end to violence and freedom for
Palestinians which we have seen across the city, the UK and the world.

As councillors in Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city, we recognise the power our collective voices can have, and support calls for immediate action to secure a lasting and just peace for Palestinians and Israelis, with freedom and security for all, based on international law.

Signed:

Alys Mumford Scottish Green Party
Ben Parker Scottish Green Party
Susan Rae Scottish Green Party
Claire Miller Scottish Green Party
Alex Staniforth Scottish Green Party
Jule Bandel Scottish Green Party
Kayleigh O’Neill Scottish Green Party
Steve Burgess Scottish Green Party
Chas Booth Scottish Green Party
Dan Heap Scottish Green Party
Ross McKenzie Independent
Katrina Faccenda Scottish Labour
Margaret Graham Labour and Co-operative Party
Amy McNeese-Mechan Scottish National Party
Norman Work Scottish National Party
Lesley Macinnes Scottish National Part

Gaza humanitarian crisis: Hundreds of thousands call for ceasefire

Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist issued a statement last night updating on the significant policing operation taking place in London on Saturday:

This operation took place in unique circumstances, against a backdrop of conflict in the Middle East, on Armistice Day and following a week of intense debate about protest and policing. These all combined to increase community tensions.

The extreme violence from the right wing protestors towards the police today was extraordinary and deeply concerning.

They arrived early, stating they were there to protect monuments, but some were already intoxicated, aggressive and clearly looking for confrontation.

Abuse was directed at officers protecting the Cenotaph, including chants of “you’re not English any more”.

This group were largely football hooligans from across the UK and spent most of the day attacking or threatening officers who were seeking to prevent them being able to confront the main march.

Many in these groups were stopped and searched and weapons including a knife, a baton and knuckleduster were found as well as class A drugs.

Thanks to the considerable efforts of our officers, who put themselves in harm’s way, nobody was able to reach the Cenotaph, which was protected at all times.

Nine officers were injured during the day, two requiring hospital treatment with a fractured elbow and a suspected dislocated hip. Those officers were injured on Whitehall as they prevented a violent crowd getting to the Cenotaph while a remembrance service was taking place.

While the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) march did not see the sort of physical violence carried out by the right wing, we know that for London’s Jewish communities whose fears and concerns we absolutely recognise, the impact of hate crime and in particular anti-Semitic offences is just as significant.

At the end of the PSC march, we once again saw breakaway groups behaving in an intimidating manner.

Officers intercepted a group of 150 who were wearing face coverings and firing fireworks. Arrests were made after some of the fireworks struck officers in the face.

There were also a number of serious offences identified in relation to hate crime and possible support for proscribed organisations during the protest that we are actively investigating.

Locating and intercepting suspects in a crowd of the size we saw today will always be challenging, but we were further limited in our ability to do so due to the number of officers we had to deploy, from early in the day, in response to violence from the right wing groups in central London.

We will soon publish images of some of those we suspect have committed these offences and as we have shown in recent weeks, we will pursue all available lines of enquiry to identify suspects and take action even after the conclusion of protests.

As I write, there are many officers still deployed across central London responding to any outbreaks of disorder and ensuring key sites are protected ahead of tomorrow’s remembrance events.

Many more are working in custody suites dealing with the 126 people who have been arrested so far.

I am extremely proud of what our officers have achieved in challenging circumstances, including the many officers who came from across the country to help us keep London safe.

PM statement on Armistice Day protests: 11 November 2023

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also released a statement last night:

I condemn the violent, wholly unacceptable scenes we have seen today from the EDL and associated groups and Hamas sympathisers attending the National March for Palestine. The despicable actions of a minority of people undermine those who have chosen to express their views peacefully. 

Remembrance weekend is a time for us to come together as a nation and remember those who fought and died for our freedoms. What we have seen today does not defend the honour of our Armed Forces, but utterly disrespects them. 

That is true for EDL thugs attacking police officers and trespassing on the Cenotaph, and it is true for those singing antisemitic chants and brandishing pro-Hamas signs and clothing on today’s protest.

The fear and intimidation the Jewish Community have experienced over the weekend is deplorable. 

All criminality must be met with the full and swift force of the law. That is what I told the Met Police Commissioner on Wednesday, that is what they are accountable for and that is what I expect. 

I will be meeting the Met Police Commissioner in the coming days.

EDINBURGH’s tram service was suspended for two hours yesterday afternoon ‘due to a large protest in the city centre affecting trams in both directions’.

Gaza crisis: The UK’s position

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.

Cataclysmic: First Minister calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza

Letter to UK political leaders to support a humanitarian corridor

First Minister Humza Yousaf has written to UK political leaders urging them to support an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, to allow a humanitarian corridor to open. The First Minister says the UK should stand together to stop the humanitarian disaster that is unfolding in Gaza.

The letter reads:

To: UK political leaders
From: First Minister Humza Yousaf

The abhorrent terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas on 7 October must be unequivocally condemned, and I will continue to join you in doing so. Hamas must release immediately and unconditionally all hostages and cease its missile attacks on Israel.

The killing of innocent civilians can never be justified, wherever it occurs. Israel, like every other country, has a right to protect itself from attack, but in doing so it must comply with international law.

Since the tragic events of that day, the loss of life has escalated. More than 1,400 Israelis and 5,700 Palestinians are reported to have been killed. More than 1.4 million Palestinians have been displaced and in excess of 600,000 people are sheltering in UN-run facilities. Many British citizens are trapped in a warzone with nowhere to go, under intense daily bombardment of the Gaza strip.

Food, water, fuel, and medicine are being restricted, with limited humanitarian supplies – nowhere near enough – being allowed in. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) – the largest humanitarian agency working in Gaza – has warned that unless fuel is allowed into Gaza immediately, the agency will be forced to halt all operations as of today.

I am, therefore, writing to ask for your support in helping to stop the staggering humanitarian disaster we are witnessing, which is set to get even worse.

We should stand together and united in unequivocally calling on all parties to commit to an immediate ceasefire to allow a humanitarian corridor to be opened, so that lifesaving supplies can get into Gaza and innocent civilians who want to leave be given safe passage out.

The situation in Gaza is at the point of being cataclysmic. All of us must do everything we can to prevent that. There must be no more dithering, or delay, together we must call for an immediate ceasefire.

The First Minister’s letter has been sent to:

Rishi Sunak, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

Mark Drakeford, First Minister of Wales

Michelle O’Neill First Minister (Designate) of Northern Ireland

Sir Keir Stamer, Leader of the Labour Party

Sir Ed Davey, Leader of the Liberal Democrats

Rhun ap Lorwerth, Leader of Plaid Cymru

Carla Denyer and Adrian Ramsey, Co-Leaders the Green Party of England and Wales 

Douglas Ross, Leader of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

Anas Sarwar, Leader of the Scottish Labour Party

Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater, Co-Leaders of the Scottish Green Party

Alex Cole Hamilton, Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats

Clare Adamson, Convenor of the Scottish Parliament Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee

Alicia Kearns, Chair of the UK Parliament Foreign Affairs Select Committee

MEANWHILE, THE UK GOVERNMENT HAS ABSTAINED IN A VOTE CALLING FOR A HUMANITARIAN TRUCE IN GAZA …

UK statement following the UN General Assembly vote on the Jordanian draft resolution on the situation in Gaza, Friday 27 October 2023:

The UK abstained on the Jordanian-drafted resolution.

We welcome the draft’s call for all parties to respect International Humanitarian Law, including the protection of civilians, for the immediate release of hostages and for full and sustained humanitarian access.

These are UK priorities and we have been working tirelessly with partners to achieve these on the ground, including the UK Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary’s engagements with Egypt to open the Rafah crossing to get aid to the Palestinian people.

We are proud to have pledged an additional $37 million in UK aid to help civilians in Gaza since the beginning of the crisis. The UK Prime Minister has been clear that we recognise the need for humanitarian pauses to deliver this aid safely and in a sustained way.

We also welcome the draft’s emphasis on preventing regional escalation of the conflict. It is in no-one’s interest for this conflict to spread.

However, we are deeply disappointed with the draft’s omission of an unequivocal condemnation of Hamas’ terrorist attacks that killed over 1,400 people and took over 200 hostages last week. This should not be controversial.

That is why we voted in favour of the Canadian amendment which would have corrected this.

But we cannot vote for a resolution that is silent on the largest terror attack in Israel’s history.

Hamas has embedded itself in civilian populations, is still holding civilians hostage, and firing rockets at Israel while using Palestinians as human shields. It is clear that Israel is under attack by terrorists and is entitled under international law to defend itself. Any resolution on the situation in Gaza and Israel should be unequivocal on that too.

This is why we abstained on this resolution.

We will continue to work closely with Israel, Palestine, the UN and our partners in the region to respond to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. To ensure that civilians are protected and have access to food, water, medicine, and shelter. And to work towards the peace and stability which can only be achieved by working towards a sustainable Two State Solution.

Gaza crisis: ‘Their pain will stay with me for the rest of my days’

Sunak: ‘time to set the region on a better path’

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. 

And I commend this statement to the House.

£750,000 to support relief projects in Libya and Gaza

International Development Minister Christina McKelvie has pledged new funding from the Scottish Government to support projects providing access to clean water, food and shelter in Gaza and Libya.

Ms McKelvie has confirmed the Scottish Government will provide £500,000 towards the United Nations Relief and Works Agency’s (UNRWA) flash appeal in response to the ongoing escalation in the Gaza Strip.

The UNRWA’s appeal is urgently seeking funds to respond to the immediate food, health, shelter and protection needs of up to 250,000 people seeking safety in UNRWA shelters in Gaza and another 250,000 Palestine refugees within the community.

A further £250,000 will also be allocated through the Scottish Government’s Humanitarian Emergency Fund (HEF) to support relief efforts in Libya, following deadly flooding in September. More than 4,000 are reported to have died in the flooding and this number is expected to increase with around 10,000 people still missing.    

Ms McKelvie said: “Our thoughts are with all the innocent people caught in the middle of escalating conflict in Israel and Gaza. The Scottish Government reiterates the call from the First Minister and the UN Secretary-General for a humanitarian corridor to be established so that urgent assistance can be given to those civilians who are trapped, helpless and cannot leave.

“Many thousands of people in Libya are also still dealing with the impact of major flooding following dam collapses in the aftermath of Storm Daniel and our thoughts are also with them and their families, as work to provide essential aid, such as food, clean water and shelter, continues in those areas worst affected.”

UNRWA Director of External Relations and Communications Tamara Alrifai said: “This generous contribution is an incredibly humane gesture towards tens of thousands of people who are in utter distress in the Gaza Strip.

UNRWA is very grateful for the show of support by Scotland and will use every penny to help alleviate the suffering of civilian women, children and men in Gaza.”

First Minister calls for Gaza humanitarian corridor

PM deploys UK military to Eastern Mediterranean to support Israel

PM Sunak also announces new support to keep British Jewish communities safe

  • Royal Air Force surveillance aircraft to begin patrols today to help partners track emerging threats to regional security. 
  • Royal Navy task group to deploy to eastern Mediterranean in coming days to help mitigate humanitarian crisis  
  • Military teams bolstered across the region as cooperation with Israel is stepped up 

The Prime Minister has directed UK military assets to be deployed to the eastern Mediterranean to support Israel, reinforce regional stability and prevent escalation. 

Maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft will begin flying in the region from Friday to track threats to regional stability such as the transfer of weapons to terrorist groups. 

Meanwhile, a Royal Navy task group will be moved to the eastern Mediterranean next week as a contingency measure to support humanitarian efforts. 

The military package, which includes P8 aircraft, surveillance assets, two Royal Navy ships – RFA Lyme Bay and RFA Argus – three merlin helicopters and a company of Royal Marines, will be on standby to deliver practical support to Israel and partners in the region, and offer deterrence and assurance. 

The Prime Minister has also asked for all military teams in Israel, Cyprus and across the region to be bolstered to support contingency planning and the efforts of neighbouring countries to deal with any spill over from instability in Israel.  

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister spoke to the Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, today to understand the wider regional picture and underscore the importance of supporting civilians to leave Gaza.

He also thanked President al-Sisi for Egypt’s assistance in helping British nationals in the area. 

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “We must be unequivocal in making sure the types of horrific scenes we have seen this week will not be repeated. Alongside our allies, the deployment of our world class military will support efforts to ensure regional stability and prevent further escalation. 

“Our military and diplomatic teams across the region will also support international partners to re-establish security and ensure humanitarian aid reaches the thousands of innocent victims of this barbaric attack from Hamas terrorists.”

The Prime Minister is due to speak to northern European leaders about the situation in Israel at the Joint Expeditionary Force summit in Sweden later today (Friday). They are expected to discuss the vital need to work with partners across the Middle East to support stability, while simultaneously remaining focussed on backing Ukraine’s defence against Russia. 

He will also visit British warship HMS Diamond while in Gotland, Sweden, which is on patrol in northern Europe to reinforce security in the region. While on board, the Prime Minister will hear about the capabilities of Diamond’s sister ship, HMS Duncan, which is deployed in the Mediterranean with NATO.  

The package of military support, which will work alongside allies already in the region, is a significant demonstration of the UK’s support for Israel’s right to self-defence and will allow the UK to adapt to the needs of partners as the situation evolves over the coming weeks. 

The step change comes after the Prime Minister spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this week, and the Defence Secretary discussed the situation with his NATO counterparts in Brussels.

The Foreign Secretary visited Israel to see first hand the destruction Hamas terrorists have caused (above) and to understand how the UK can support the efforts of the Israeli Government to ensure the safety and security of the Israeli people.  

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: “The monstrous terrorist attacks committed by Hamas in recent days have proven why the UK must support Israel’s absolute right to self-defence and deter malign external interference.

“No nation should stand alone in the face of such evil and today’s deployment will ensure Israel does not. 

“The Royal Navy Task Group, RAF operations and our wider military support will be an undeniable display of the UK’s resolve to ensure Hamas’s terrorist campaign fails, whilst reminding those who seek to inflame tensions that the forces of freedom stand with the Israeli people.”

Meanwhile, the Foreign Secretary announced that the UK will facilitate commercial flights to help vulnerable British nationals wanting to leave Israel.

PM announces new support to keep British Jewish communities safe

  • £3 million of extra funding will be provided to the Community Security Trust to protect schools, synagogues and other Jewish community buildings.
  • The Community Security Trust has recorded a 400% increase in the prevalence of antisemitic incidents in the UK since Hamas’ terrorist attacks in Israel.
  • This morning the PM convened representatives from UK policing and the Jewish community with ministers in Downing Street for discussions on policing protests.
  • Specific guidance to be provided to police on the beat on where and when to intervene.

Members of the UK Jewish community, including school children, will be given more protection against antisemitic attacks in the wake of Hamas’ terrorist attacks in Israel, the Prime Minister announced yesterday.

£3 million of additional funding will be provided to the Community Security Trust (CST), an organisation established to protect British Jews from antisemitism and related threats. The CST works closely with the police to secure Jewish community buildings and events. Today’s announcement brings the total funding for Jewish Community Protection Security grant to £18 million for 2023-24.

The money will enable the CST to place additional guards in schools it supports throughout each school’s operating hours. They will also be able to place additional security staff at outside synagogues on Friday nights and Saturday mornings.

Today the Prime Minister gathered senior ministers, police chiefs and the CST in Downing Street for a discussion on protecting British communities and policing protests chaired by the Home Secretary Suella Braverman. The roundtable comes ahead of expected protests and marches taking place across the UK this weekend. It also follows a significant increase in antisemitic incidents since the terrorist attacks against Israel.

The CST has recorded 139 antisemitic incidents in the last four days. This represents an increase of 400% compared to the same period in 2022.

The Prime Minister said: “This is now the third deadliest terror attack in the world since 1970. The United Kingdom must and will continue to stand in solidarity with Israel.

“At moments like this, when the Jewish people are under attack in their homeland, Jewish people everywhere can feel less safe.

“That is why we must do everything in our power to protect Jewish people everywhere in our country. If anything is standing in the way of keeping the Jewish community safe, we will fix it. You have our complete backing.”

Representatives at the roundtable, who included the Home Secretary, Communities Secretary, Attorney General and Policing Minister, discussed the threat increased antisemitic attacks and the policing response to provocative protests.

Reflecting on the distressing scenes we have seen both online and on Britain’s streets in the past week, the Prime Minister asked police chiefs to ensure a consistent and clear approach is taken to tackling hate crime, policing protests and protecting Jewish communities.

He stressed that the police have the Government’s total backing in ensuring that any glorification of terrorism is met with the full force of the law.

Following the discussions, the College of Policing and the National Police Chiefs’ Council will brief all commanders clarifying guidance they should be using as they police protests over the weekend, as well as clarifying guidance around the use of face coverings to purposefully conceal identity. 

During the meeting, the Home Secretary asked police chiefs to consider using their existing Section 14 powers in in the Public Order Act where appropriate to prevent assemblies blocking roads, including outside Jewish monuments and buildings such as the Israeli Embassy. 

Earlier this week the Home Secretary wrote to police chiefs in England and Wales to urge them to step up patrols and use all available powers to prevent disorder and distress to our communities. She was clear officers should act immediately to crackdown on criminality – both in our streets and online.

The Home Secretary said: “Hamas terrorists have carried out barbaric attacks on the people of Israel. They massacred civilians, raped women and kidnapped the most vulnerable.

“This terrorism is an attack on all of our values. Whenever Israel is attacked, people use legitimate Israeli defensive measures as an excuse to stir up hatred against British Jews. The UK stands unequivocally with Israel.

“I have been clear with police chiefs in England and Wales that there can be zero tolerance for antisemitism, and that they should act immediately to crackdown on any criminality – both in our streets and online.

“I have been in close contact with the Community Security Trust whose work helps enhance the security of the British Jewish community. To further support their work, we will be providing them £3 million in funding for additional security guards at Jewish schools, synagogues and in Jewish communities. This is in addition to the £15 million of annual funding provided by the Government.”

Mark Gardner, Chief Executive of Community Security Trust said: “We are grateful to the Government for providing extra funding for security guards at Jewish community buildings, following the horrific Hamas terror attack on Israel. The support that we and the Jewish community are receiving from across government and policing is greatly reassuring and welcome at this difficult and worrying time.

“We will work with the Home Office to ensure that this extra funding is used in the most effective way to enhance the existing security that is in place and provide the Jewish community with the protection that they need and deserve.”

First Minister calls for Gaza humanitarian corridor

First Minister Humza Yousaf has written to the Foreign Secretary James Cleverly supporting the establishment of a humanitarian corridor in Gaza to allow civilian evacuation:

To: Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, James Cleverly
From: First Minister Humza Yousaf

I am writing concerning the horrific terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas over the weekend, and the escalating conflict in Israel and Gaza.

The Scottish Government and I unequivocally condemn the abhorrent terrorist actions of Hamas. Israel – like any other country – has a right to protect itself and its citizens from terror.

Too many innocent people have already lost their lives as a consequence of these completely unjustifiable and illegitimate attacks by Hamas. However, innocent men, women and children cannot, and should not, pay the price for the actions of a terrorist group. Collective punishment of innocent civilians cannot be justified and will do nothing to set the conditions for peace in the region.

As the number of civilians displaced in Gaza increases and with supplies restricted, innocent people are being affected and conditions will worsen. The United Nations Secretary General has called for “relevant parties to allow United Nations access to deliver urgent humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians trapped and helpless in the Gaza Strip” and the international community to mobilise to provide support. I support this view.

As a close friend and ally of Israel, I therefore ask the UK Government to call on the Government of Israel to ensure innocent civilians are protected and to put in place an immediate ceasefire to allow the safe passage of civilians through the Rafah border.

Furthermore, it should open a humanitarian corridor into Gaza to allow supplies, including food, fuel, water and medical supplies, for those civilians who are trapped, helpless and cannot leave.

Finally, I call on the international community to be proactive and work towards an immediate ceasefire and a long-lasting peace that sees Israelis and Palestinians treated as equals.

I am grateful for the ongoing engagement of Lord Ahmad, who has briefed me on the situation concerning UK nationals in Israel and Gaza. The Scottish Government stands ready to assist any efforts to support those who find themselves caught up in this tragic situation.

Western leaders issue joint statement on Israel

The leaders of France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States of America released the following joint statement following their call yesterday:

‘Today (Monday Ed.), we — President Macron of France, Chancellor Scholz of Germany, Prime Minister Meloni of Italy, Prime Minister Sunak of the United Kingdom, and President Biden of the United States — express our steadfast and united support to the State of Israel, and our unequivocal condemnation of Hamas and its appalling acts of terrorism.

‘We make clear that the terrorist actions of Hamas have no justification, no legitimacy, and must be universally condemned. There is never any justification for terrorism.  In recent days, the world has watched in horror as Hamas terrorists massacred families in their homes, slaughtered over 200 young people enjoying a music festival, and kidnapped elderly women, children, and entire families, who are now being held as hostages. 

‘Our countries will support Israel in its efforts to defend itself and its people against such atrocities. We further emphasise that this is not a moment for any party hostile to Israel to exploit these attacks to seek advantage.

‘All of us recognise the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people, and support equal measures of justice and freedom for Israelis and Palestinians alike. But make no mistake: Hamas does not represent those aspirations, and it offers nothing for the Palestinian people other than more terror and bloodshed.

‘Over the coming days, we will remain united and coordinated, together as allies, and as common friends of Israel, to ensure Israel is able to defend itself, and to ultimately set the conditions for a peaceful and integrated Middle East region.’