Oral Answers to Questions

Paul Blomfield Excerpts

Tuesday 12th March 2024 Commons Chamber

[Beth Winter (Cynon Valley) (Lab)]

1. What steps he is taking to help improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

[Paul Blomfield (Sheffield Central) (Lab)]

12. What steps he is taking to help improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

[Alex Sobel (Leeds North West) (Lab/Co-op)]

15. If he will resume funding of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Mitchell]

The hon. Lady is right to say that Israel must comply with the Geneva convention. We have seen these reports. A full explanation and investigation is required, and that is what the British Government are pressing for. I point out to her that, when it comes to targeting operations, lawyers are embedded in the Israeli and Israel Defence Forces command, just as happens in Britain, which should ensure the acceptance and honouring of international humanitarian law. But I agree that a full explanation is required.

[Paul Blomfield]

For months we have seen the horrifying images of children in Gaza mutilated or killed by bombing, and now we see them starving. Aid by air and sea is welcome, but it is insufficient and it is a diversion from Israel’s responsibility. Yesterday, 12 Israeli human rights organisations called out their own Government for failing to comply with the International Court of Justice ruling to facilitate access for humanitarian aid. Does the Minister agree that the Israeli Government should be told by the UK and our allies to unlock aid and end the killing, or face real consequences?

[Mr Mitchell]

As the hon. Gentleman knows, the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary have both pressed Prime Minister Netanyahu, and indeed President Herzog, to ensure that more aid can get into Gaza. As the hon. Gentleman will also know, it is the policy of the British Government to do everything we can to achieve a pause so that we can get the hostages out and get more aid in, and move towards a sustainable ceasefire. We are doing everything we can to try to achieve that.