Baroness Primarolo

We are appalled by Defence Minister Katz's proposal to create a new "humanitarian city", which would displace Gaza's entire population to Rafah. We have been clear that Palestinian territory must not be reduced, and Palestinian civilians must be permitted to return to their communities and rebuild their lives. The Government of Israel must allow the full and unhindered resumption of aid into Gaza and facilitate the UN and aid partners to deliver aid safely and effectively to the population across the Gaza Strip.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. Not enough aid is getting in and vital services such as water supplies, ambulances and hospitals are at risk of shutting down due to fuel shortages. On 12 July, the UN stated that fuel shortages in Gaza had reached a critical level. We continue to call on Israel to allow for a full and unhindered resurgence in the flow of aid into Gaza and to allow the UN and humanitarian partners to operate in line with humanitarian principles. The Foreign Secretary spoke to Israeli Foreign Minister Sa'ar on 12 July, where he reiterated our concerns about the situation on the ground and pressed for a return to a ceasefire. On 16 July, the UK co-called a session of the UN Security Council where we called on Israel to urgently open all access routes and allow fuel into Gaza.

The situation regarding healthcare facilities in Gaza is dire. The World Heath Organisation (WHO) reports that 94 per cent of hospitals are damaged or destroyed and the remaining functional hospitals, including Nasser Hospital, are overwhelmed. We continue to frequently and energetically engage with our Israeli counterparts to protect healthcare facilities and workers. We have been clear that we expect Israel to transparently investigate all attacks against humanitarians and to hold those responsible to account.

On 1 May, the Minister for the Middle East announced a £7.5 million package of support to bolster vital medical care in Gaza and the region, which includes additional funding for UK-Med, WHO Egypt and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) Humanitarian Fund. UK funding to UK-Med has supported over 500,000 patient consultations across Gaza.

The situation in Gaza remains intolerable. Over 58,000 people have been killed, and 875 people have been killed at or near Gaza Humanitarian Foundation sites, trying to access aid. Over 90 per cent of the population have been displaced, many repeatedly. The recent Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) snapshot report found that the whole of Gaza faces a critical risk of famine, and that half a million people are facing starvation.

The UK is taking steps to help those in need. Through our support at least 647,000 have received food and almost 300,000 people have improved access to water, sanitation and hygiene services.

On 28 April the UK announced a package of support for the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including £101 million for humanitarian aid, support for Palestinian economic development, and strengthening Palestinian Authority governance and reform.

The UK commitment to a two-state solution is unwavering. We are committed to recognising a Palestinian state at a time that has the greatest impact and is most conducive to long-term prospects for peace. We are clear that does not need to be at the end of a process. UK bilateral recognition is the single most important action the UK can take with regard to Palestinian statehood. That is why it is important to get the timing right so that it creates genuine momentum and is not simply a symbolic gesture. We are continuing to engage all partners on advancing a two-state solution and supporting the foundations of Palestinian statehood. That is why we welcomed Palestinian Authority (PA) Prime Minister Mohamad Mustafa to London in April. During the visit, we announced a package of £101 million which included support for governance reforms in the PA, and signed a UK-PA Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Cooperation.