I have received a very large number of contacts from constituents concerning the ongoing conflict in Israel, Palestine, and Lebanon.

I share the deep concern expressed by many constituents about the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the wider region. The scale of suffering, destruction and humanitarian need is appalling. The actions taken by the Israeli Government, including the destruction of essential infrastructure, restrictions on aid, the widespread loss of civilian life, and the condoning of ongoing violence by settlers in the West Bank, are morally unjustifiable and counterproductive for a long-term peace in the region.

The Government continues to work for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, full and unimpeded humanitarian access into Gaza, and for international law to be upheld by all parties.

I have consistently condemned the actions of both Hamas and the Israeli Government. I support the Government’s strong opposition to these actions and its commitment to accountability under international law.

While I support the Government’s response to these actions and its commitment to accountability under international law, I also believe it must go further and faster in imposing sanctions. The ongoing escalation of atrocities in Gaza and the West Bank are indefensible and must be met with stronger consequences. I support the full arms embargo on Israel.

Actions Taken by the Labour Government

Since coming into office, the Labour Government has:

• Restarted UK funding to UNRWA, reversing the previous Conservative Government’s decision to halt support, in recognition of its vital role in providing humanitarian assistance to Palestinians. (Source: FCDO)
• Suspended the around 30 export licences for offensive arms following a legal and risk assessment, covering the items deemed at risk of being used in breach of international humanitarian law. (Source: FCDO)
• Suspended negotiations on a UK-Israel Free Trade Agreement and paused wider cooperation under the UK-Israel 2030 Roadmap. (Source: FCDO)
• Sanctioned two Israeli Ministers — Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir — alongside individuals and entities within the settler movement, in response to incitement and extremist rhetoric. (Source: FCDO)
• Summoned the Israeli Ambassador to formally raise concerns over the civilian impact of the conflict and breaches of international humanitarian principles. (Source: FCDO)
• Announced millions of pounds of funding in additional humanitarian aid to Palestinians. (Source: House of Commons Library, FCDO)
• Reaffirmed that the UK is not exporting bombs or ammunition for use in Gaza. (Source: Hansard)
• Coordinated UK-led diplomatic efforts, including visits by the Foreign and Defence Secretaries to key Gulf states to promote de-escalation and humanitarian access. (Source: FCDO, FCDO)
• Issued a joint international statement with Canada and France condemning Israeli military operations and displacement proposals. (Source: FCDO)
• Withdrawn the previous Government’s opposition to the ICC’s warrant for Prime Minister Netanyahu and confirmed he would face arrest if he enters the UK. (Source: The Guardian)
• Confirmed the UK’s position that Israel must change course, with continued calls for an immediate ceasefire and the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid. (Source: FCDO)
• Agreed to the evacuation of children in urgent need of medical treatment from Gaza, in partnership with international and regional partners. (Source: Prime Minister’s Office)
• Confirmed the UK’s recognition of the State of Palestine as a step towards a just and lasting peace at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025. (Source: Prime Minister’s Office)

I have consistently called for a ceasefire since the early stages of the conflict. I first raised this in Parliament on 12 December 2023, during a debate on the humanitarian situation in Gaza. I have reiterated that call in the House of Commons on multiple occasions. I voted to call for an immediate ceasefire on 21 February 2024 — a vote that was also supported by the Prime Minister.

The Government is keeping the situation under review and will take further actions which might make a positive difference to the situation on the ground. We remain committed to working with international partners to press for a lasting ceasefire, the release of hostages, sustained humanitarian access, and a long-term political resolution, which includes recognition of a Palestinian state as part of a viable two-state solution. Ministers have also reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to regional stability more broadly, including de-escalation efforts in Lebanon and support for diplomatic engagement to avoid wider conflict involving Iran and Syria.

I am engaging with ministers on a regular basis to ensure the concerns of my constituents – and myself – on this issue are heard. I will continue to use my position to push for action that prioritises peace, the provision of aid and the protection of civilians in Gaza.