Leo Docherty MP has responded to constituents' concerns about the violence in Israel and Gaza.
Commenting, Leo said: "Understandably, a number of constituents have contacted me this month expressing their deep concerns about the developing situation in Israel and Gaza. Given the strong interest in this situation and the important humanitarian aspects, I thought it would be helpful to set out my position and thoughts."
The brutal attacks on civilians in Israel earlier this month are truly horrific. Murders, kidnaps, rapes and other atrocities can never be justified. The UK Government, of which I am a member, condemns utterly these barbaric terrorist attacks against civilians perpetrated by Hamas, and supports Israel’s legitimate right to defend itself.
"The UK Government also recognises the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people, their desire to live in peace, and supports a lasting solution for Israelis and Palestinians alike. Hamas does not truly represent the Palestinian people or their aspirations; it offers nothing beyond more terror and bloodshed. I therefore support Israel’s right to tackle Hamas, rescue the remaining hostages, protect its civilians, deter further incursions and strengthen its security for the long term. Other terrorist groups, such as Palestinian Islamic Jihad, operating in Gaza likewise seek to stoke conflict for their own ideological ends - usually at the expense of Palestinian and Israeli civilians, setting back the chance for a lasting peace.
"It should not have to be said, but the lives of Palestinian and Israeli civilians are equal in value – both deserve peace and security. Any military action by Israel as part of its defence against Hamas must be done in line with international humanitarian law, with every effort made to minimise the impact on ordinary Palestinians. Hamas and other Islamist terrorist groups have long hidden within and behind the civilian population of Gaza, for example occupying, launching rockets from, and storing weapons in schools, hospitals and residential areas; they effectively use Palestinian civilians as human shields. Acknowledging this, the UK Prime Minister has called on - and will continue to call on - the Israeli Government to take every possible precaution to avoid harming civilians during military operations targeting Hamas. The UK Government has welcomed the commitment by Israeli President Herzog about adhering to international law. Unfortunately, Hamas accepts no such limitations on their actions and has no apparent interest in a ceasefire or de-escalation. Indeed, as the Foreign Secretary observed earlier this week, we have seen nothing that would indicate that Hamas, or the other terrorist groups operating in Gaza, would respect a ceasefire if one could be arranged.
"The rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza is, of course, extremely troubling. The UK has long been a significant provider of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people, and I welcome that on 16 October, the Prime Minister announced that the UK will increase our aid contribution by a third, with an additional £10 million of support. Furthermore, the UK has deployed significant military support to the region to help facilitate the humanitarian response and mitigate risks of an escalation of the conflict.
"It is also vital that the international community works together to relieve the impact on civilians - a point that Prime Minister Sunak emphasised during his meeting with Prime Minister Kristersson of Sweden ahead of the Joint Expeditionary Force Summit in Gotland on 13 October. He has also spoken with Egyptian President Sisi, to underscore the vital importance of opening the Rafah crossing to allow for humanitarian access and provide a route for British and other nationals to leave Gaza. UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) officials have also been engaged closely with UN efforts to secure humanitarian access and scale up the response.
"This is a fast-moving situation with daily developments; rest assured that I will continue to follow these closely, not least in my role as a Minister at the FCDO."