Qatar: Israeli Strike
Debate between Hamish Falconer and Peter Swallow(3 weeks, 6 days ago)
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Mr Falconer
Even in advance of the events yesterday, nations in the region that had taken the step of signing the Abraham accords were signalling disquiet, most obviously and signally the United Arab Emirates, which released an important statement on this question. I will not seek to speak for our Arab allies, but I am sure that they will be looking at the events yesterday with great concern, and I am sure that the right hon. Gentleman will have seen the number of statements that have issued from the region over the last 24 hours.
Peter Swallow (Bracknell) (Lab)
A man-made famine in Gaza, increased settler violence in the west bank, and now this attack on sovereign Qatar: I fear that these are not the actions of an Israeli Government committed to peace. With that in mind, will my hon. Friend urge the Foreign Secretary to speak to our friends and allies and find out what more we can do to pile concrete pressure on the Israeli Government to get round the table and seek that ceasefire that we so badly need?
Mr Falconer
I thank my hon. Friend for his commitment to these issues, and I can confirm that the Foreign Secretary is, practically as we speak, in consultations with friends and allies about what further steps we might take.
Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Hamish Falconer and Peter Swallow(4 months, 3 weeks ago)
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Peter Swallow (Bracknell) (Lab)
Will my hon. Friend confirm that this Government are totally opposed to the expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza and are four-square behind restoring the ceasefire?
Mr Falconer
As I said last week, we are opposed to an expansion of Israel’s military operation. I was also asked about the Israeli Finance Minister’s comments about the destruction of Gaza—comments that I had not seen at the time. I have since seen them and I condemn them.
Israel: Refusal of Entry for UK Parliamentarians
Debate between Hamish Falconer and Peter Swallow(6 months ago)
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Mr Falconer
Accountability is vital, and I am indeed outraged by the reports.
Peter Swallow (Bracknell) (Lab)
The detainment of two hon. Members of this House is shocking, and the killing of 15 Palestinian paramedics in Gaza by the IDF is deeply distressing. At a time like this, it feels as though peace is further away than ever, so can the Minister set out what more we can do to make sure we get back in place the ceasefire we so badly need?
Mr Falconer
We will continue to work with the Israeli Government and all relevant partners in the region to see the ceasefire restored, which is vital not simply to the Palestinians and the Israelis, but to all in the region.
Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Hamish Falconer and Peter Swallow(8 months, 3 weeks ago)
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Mr Falconer
It is vital that the new Syria includes representation of all its people and that all Syrians can see themselves represented in the Government that will follow. We are supporting an inclusive political process that must respect the rights of ethnic and religious minorities, and we will continue in our efforts.
Peter Swallow (Bracknell) (Lab)