UK MPs Call for Ceasefire and Humanitarian Aid in Israel and Gaza Conflict

More than 40 MPs in the UK have backed calls for a ceasefire to protect civilians in Israel and Gaza amid the ongoing conflict in the region. They are urging Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to take action to prevent further loss of life and ensure access to essential resources such as medicines, food, fuel, and water for the people of Gaza.

During Prime Minister’s Questions, SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn asked Sunak if he would join the calls for an immediate ceasefire. In response, the Prime Minister stated that Israel has the right to defend itself against attacks, saying, “We believe that Israel does have a right to defend itself, to protect its people, and to act against terrorism and ensure that the awful attack that we’ve seen from Hamas cannot happen again.”

He also emphasized that the Israeli armed forces are committed to operating in accordance with international law and called on them to take every precaution to avoid harming civilians. However, Sunak’s official spokesperson later clarified that he does not think it is the right time for a ceasefire, as Israel is currently focused on recovering hostages held by a terrorist organization.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiments, stating that Israel was forced to engage in the conflict due to mass murders in their country. Cleverly expressed skepticism about Hamas respecting calls for a ceasefire.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer called for unity among MPs in condemning terrorism and supporting Israel’s right to self-defense. He also emphasized the need for humanitarian access to Gaza and the upholding of international law. Starmer stressed the immediate necessity of allowing medicines, food, fuel, and water into Gaza.

Labour MP Richard Burgon has initiated a parliamentary motion calling for an immediate ceasefire, the release of Israeli hostages, and unrestricted access to humanitarian aid. The motion has the support of over 25 Labour MPs, as well as MPs from other parties such as the Conservatives, the Scottish National Party, and Plaid Cymru.

Humanitarian organizations, as well as United Nations General Secretary Antonio Guterres, have similarly called for a ceasefire and the urgent supply of emergency aid to Gaza. Sunak acknowledged the plight of the Palestinian people and announced an additional £10 million of UK humanitarian aid. He also stated that he had been raising the issue of humanitarian access in his conversations with leaders in the region.

Efforts are underway to secure the opening of the Rafah crossing to allow UK citizens to evacuate to Egypt and for humanitarian aid to reach Gaza. The situation intensified following an explosion at a hospital in Gaza City, which resulted in the deaths of nearly 500 people, according to Palestinian health officials. Israel and Hamas have provided conflicting accounts of the incident, with Hamas attributing it to an Israeli airstrike and Israel claiming it was caused by a failed rocket launch by Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

The conflict began on October 7 when Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, killing 1,300 people. In response, Israel has launched airstrikes and artillery bombardments on Gaza, resulting in the reported deaths of over 3,000 people. Israel has also imposed restrictions on the entry of essential supplies into Gaza and is demanding the release of hostages taken by Hamas.

The UK government is working tirelessly to secure the release of hostages, and it has been confirmed that seven British nationals have died in the attacks, with nine more still missing. The situation remains highly critical, with calls for immediate action to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in the region.