Gaza: Israeli Military Operations Debate
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Brian Mathew
Main Page: Brian Mathew (Liberal Democrat - Melksham and Devizes)Department Debates - View all Brian Mathew's debates with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Gaza: Israeli Military Operations
Brian Mathew Excerpts(2 days, 18 hours ago)
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Mr Falconer
My hon. Friend asks me about the advisory opinion of the ICJ. We accept that the Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories are illegal and have been clear about that policy position. I am afraid that we will take some time yet to return to this House with a full response to the ICJ’s advisory opinion, which has a number of novel elements of international jurisprudence, and we are considering it with the seriousness and soberness that it requires. We agree on the fundamentals: the settlements are illegal and must be brought to an end.
Brian Mathew (Melksham and Devizes) (LD)
Recent polling suggests that over 60% of Israelis will support any deal that brings the remaining hostages home. If that can be achieved, the likelihood is that peace and rebuilding can be achieved, especially if Egypt can be involved, along with finance from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf. Will the Government please push for that?
Mr Falconer
I can confirm that we want to see all the hostages returned and a reconstruction plan for Gaza based on the Arab initiative, with the full involvement of the region—a reconstruction plan that can allow Palestinians to remain in their homes.