Thank you for contacting me about the conflict in the Middle East.
Israel has endured the worst terrorist attack in its history at the hands of Hamas. The UK supports Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas.
Nobody wants to see this conflict last a moment longer than necessary. This means achieving a sustainable ceasefire - one that will last and prevent another generation of children living under the constant threat of war.
There is no perfect formula for peace. Clearly, however, leaving Hamas in power in Gaza would be a permanent roadblock to a two-state solution. A ceasefire would also not last if hostages are still being held. A sustainable ceasefire must mean that Hamas is no longer there, able to threaten Israel with rocket attacks and other forms of terrorism.
The difference between a ceasefire and a humanitarian pause relates to the purpose of the suspension in hostilities – usually, a humanitarian pause is to allow specific humanitarian activity to be conducted, while a ceasefire is a generalised suspension of hostilities.
The UK Government is calling for an immediate pause to get aid in and hostages out, then progress towards a sustainable, permanent ceasefire, without a return to destruction, fighting and loss of life. There can be no guarantee that any ceasefire would be sustainable while Hamas retains its terrorist infrastructure and remains in power in Gaza - or anywhere else.
There are several vital steps that we need to see, including the release of all hostages; the formation of a new Palestinian Government for the West Bank and Gaza, accompanied by an international support package; removing Hamas’ capacity to launch attacks against Israel; Hamas no longer being in charge of Gaza; and, in the UK Government's view, a political horizon which provides a credible and irreversible pathway towards a two-state solution. The international community will also need to make a massive effort to deliver a reconstruction plan for Gaza.
Ahead of a permanent ceasefire, the UK wants to see immediate and sustained humanitarian pauses. This will allow a window for the hostages to leave and more aid to enter Gaza. Indeed, there is a desperate need for increased humanitarian support to Gaza. The UK has trebled its aid commitment for this financial year and I know the UK Government is working closely with partners in international agencies and in the region to get aid to where it is desperately needed.
Regarding the UK’s historic involvement in the State of Israel, I am proud of the UK's role in creating a nation for a persecuted people. The Balfour declaration expressed support for “the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people.” The UK Government believes 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. The UK is currently using every tool of diplomacy to sustain prospects of a two-state solution, and ultimately, regional stability.
Indeed, the UK Government remains committed to making progress towards a two-state solution, resulting, it hopes, in a safe and secure Israel living alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian State. Again, the UK has a regular dialogue with Israel on legal issues relating to the West Bank.
I will monitor this fast-moving situation closely. Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Craig Whittaker MP
February 2024