Thank you for contacting me about the situation in Jerusalem and Gaza.
Jerusalem is a holy city to so many, and the UK remains firmly of the view that maintaining the historic Status Quo is the only means of ensuring freedom of worship. All religious sites should be treated with utmost respect in line with UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/75/258. Lord Ahmad and the Foreign Secretary emphasised the UK Government's unwavering support for Jordanian custodianship of the holy sites in East Jerusalem during their visits to the Al Aqsa Mosque on 12 January and 22 March 2023 respectively.
The Foreign Secretary condemned Israeli police operations at the Al Aqsa Mosque and made clear that, when Israeli security forces conduct operations, they must ensure they are proportionate and in accordance with international law. Israel and the Palestinian Authority must take steps to honour the commitments agreed at Sharm el-Sheikh and Aqaba.
I join Ministers in London and officials from the British Embassy in Tel Aviv, British Consulate in Jerusalem and at the UN in calling for all parties to maintain calm, avoid provocation, and uphold the status quo to ensure the safety and the security of all Christians, Jews, and Muslims during this important period of religious festivals for Muslims, Christians, and Jews alike, as His Majesty's Government did at the UN Security Council on 5 January.
It is crucial that all parties work to reduce tensions and avoid unnecessary escalation. The UK is committed to playing its part in this regard and our officials continue to engage with the Israeli and Palestinian leaderships to support them to this end.
On your comments regarding Gaza, the UK Government's position on Hamas is clear: we condemn Hamas' attacks against civilians, which are unacceptable and unjustifiable. The UK continues to call upon Hamas and other terrorist groups to permanently end their incitement and indiscriminate rocket fire against Israel. Hamas must renounce violence, recognise Israel and accept previously signed agreements.
In line with this, the UK continues to call on all parties to maintain a cessation of hostilities, facilitate humanitarian access in and out of Gaza, and find a durable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict which will deliver a sustainable and just peace.
The UK remains committed to the two-state solution as the best way to bring peace and stability to the region, and will do all it can to support efforts to this end.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Craig Whittaker MP
April 2023