Israel and Hamas: Humanitarian Pause

Bob Blackman Excerpts
Monday 27th November 2023

(1 year ago)

Commons Chamber
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Andrew Mitchell Portrait Mr Mitchell
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I refer the hon. Lady to the reply I gave a little earlier about the south. We are conscious of the fact that very large numbers of people are kettled into the south, which makes the supply of aid even more dangerous, unless there is a comprehensive agreement that there will be no hostilities around the areas where aid is being distributed. We are very conscious of that, and we are working with our partners to make it as safe as possible for aid to be distributed.

Bob Blackman Portrait Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con)
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It is extremely good news that some hostages have been freed. However, polling suggests that 75% of the Palestinian people support the atrocities by Hamas, and 85% refuse to even consider the coexistence of a Palestinian state with the state of Israel. At the moment, Palestinian prisoners are being released to the west bank and Hamas are getting the credit, so does the Minister accept that there is a risk that Hamas not only dominate Gaza but end up dominating the west bank as well?

Andrew Mitchell Portrait Mr Mitchell
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My hon. Friend’s comment underlines the importance of a political track emerging and being pursued with great vigour as soon as possible.