Oral Answers to Questions

Marsha De Cordova Excerpts

Tuesday 24th October 2023 Commons Chamber

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

10. What recent discussions he has had with representatives of the Palestinian Authority on a two-state solution.

[Marsha De Cordova (Battersea) (Lab)]

12. What recent reports he has received on the situation in Israel and Palestine.

[Steven Bonnar (Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill) (SNP)]

17. Whether he has had discussions with his Israeli counterpart on the (a) compatibility with international law and (b) proportionality of Israel’s response in Gaza to the attacks by Hamas.

--- Later in debate ---

[James Cleverly]

The Government’s long-standing position is that we oppose settlement expansion, for the reasons I have highlighted extensively in the conversations that I have had with the Israeli Government and the leadership of countries in the region. Despite the terrible circumstances we are experiencing, there is a renewed desire for a meaningful resolution that means that the terrible images that we saw on 7 October will never be repeated.

[Marsha De Cordova]

Close to 1,000 constituents have contacted me, deeply concerned about the situation in Gaza, the humanitarian crisis that is unfolding and the need for a ceasefire. Nearly 5,000 people have died in Gaza, including 1,700 children. While the whole House rightly condemned the Hamas atrocities, we must be unequivocal in our condemnation of violations of international law. Will the Foreign Secretary set out in what circumstances he believes it is legal for Israel to cut off water, fuel, food and electricity in Gaza?

[James Cleverly]

There is always much debate in this House about the interpretation of international humanitarian law. I have raised directly with my Israeli counterparts the need, in whatever actions they take to secure their protection, defend Israeli citizens and secure the release of hostages, for them to act in accordance with international law. I have received assurances from the Israeli President to that effect.