Gaza: Humanitarian Situation

Alan Gemmell Excerpts

Thursday 12th November 2026 Commons Chamber

[Stephen Doughty]

As I said, we are raising those issues directly with the Israeli Government, both in Tel Aviv and with the Israeli embassy here, as well as with the other agencies involved, so I can assure him on that point. Obviously, we listen to partners on the ground as to the scale of the figures. A number of items of the aid that we provided have got in, and agencies are able to deliver some services, but the fact is, as the hon. Member rightly says, it is simply not enough. A staggering number of tents, tarpaulins and other things are being blocked, and the continued failure to open points such as Erez, and the closure at Kerem Shalom, are doing nothing to help the situation; they are making it worse. Open those points, remove the dual-use restrictions in the way that we have suggested, and get that assistance in. It is absolutely critical.

[Alan Gemmell (Central Ayrshire) (Lab)]

Before I ask my question, Madam Deputy Speaker, I will let you and the House know that James Thomas Campbell from my constituency was killed at the weekend in the terrible attacks in Krakow—the only British victim. I thank the Minister for the support his Department is giving the family. I am sure the whole House will want to pass on their condolences to Mr Campbell’s family.

Voters in Central Ayrshire are deeply concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the recent deadly storms affecting many tens of thousands of people. What they do not want to hear is infantile comments from the shadow Foreign Secretary slurring members of this Government. I am delighted that my hon. Friend the Member for Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy (Melanie Ward) is in government, bringing to bear all her experience of the situation. Will the Minister assure my constituents and the House that he is doing all he can, with her help, to get that vital aid into Gaza?

[Stephen Doughty]

First, I offer my condolences and those of the Government on the death of my hon. Friend’s constituent. It was an absolutely appalling attack. I know Krakow well as a city, and I have sat in that square myself. It was an appalling scene. We are working closely with the Polish authorities on the case, as well as providing the appropriate consular support to the family in what is a deeply distressing and appalling time. My thoughts are with them.

My hon. Friend is absolutely right to praise my hon. Friend the Member for Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy (Melanie Ward) for her past work and advocacy on those issues before joining the Government. It is crucial that we listen to the actual experiences of those who have seen the reality on the ground in Gaza, as well as organisations and others. That is exactly what the Foreign Secretary and I have been doing, and I will listen to what they have to say about the reality of what is happening and respond accordingly.