Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories

Richard Burgon Excerpts

Tuesday 14th November 2023 Commons Chamber

[Mr Mitchell]

My right hon. Friend makes a most important humanitarian point and she may rest assured that the Government are seized of it.

[Richard Burgon (Leeds East) (Lab)]

France’s President Macron has called for a ceasefire, joining other European nations such as Spain, Norway, Portugal and Ireland, as well as the UN Secretary-General. Securing a negotiated ceasefire—one that is binding on all sides—will require a huge diplomatic effort, so is it not time for our Government to add their weight to the push for a ceasefire, rather than dismissing out of hand a proposal that has growing international support?

[Mr Mitchell]

The hon. Member will know that, in order to have a ceasefire, we need both parties to agree to it. Hamas have made it absolutely clear that they are not interested in a ceasefire. They made it clear that they want to repeat the actions of 7 October. I believe the right position is to press for pauses. That is the position of the Government and of the official Opposition.