Oral Answers to Questions

Sarah Green Excerpts

Tuesday 2nd September 2025 Commons Chamber

[Alistair Strathern (Hitchin) (Lab)]

7. What steps he is taking to help increase levels of aid entering Gaza.

[Sarah Green (Chesham and Amersham) (LD)]

10. What diplomatic steps he is taking to help ensure humanitarian aid can reach people in Gaza.

[Helen Maguire (Epsom and Ewell) (LD)]

14. What steps he is taking to support people impacted by the humanitarian situation in the Middle East.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Falconer]

I thank my hon. Friend and his constituent, Becky. Over the recess, I met doctors who have served in Gaza. Hearing their first-hand accounts of the injuries that children are suffering there was truly horrifying. We continue to press the Israeli Government. They must act urgently to lift restrictions, open up aid flows and enable the UN and international non-governmental organisations to carry out their lifesaving work without obstruction. The Foreign Secretary delivered that message to Foreign Minister Sa’ar just last week, and over the past month we have delivered strong, co-ordinated messages with partners through joint statements.

[Sarah Green]

The Minister will know that Médecins Sans Frontières has referred to the locations used by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation as sites of “orchestrated killing”. What pressure are the Government bringing to bear on both the Israeli and US Governments to stop using the foundation and reinstate the United Nations-led system of aid delivery?

[Mr Falconer]

The hon. Lady is absolutely right. The Foreign Secretary set out our very clear views yesterday afternoon. The GHF is not working and has led to thousands upon thousands of injuries and many, many deaths at its sites. I have heard of the considerable looting that is associated with the lack of UN machinery—machinery that was functioning effectively. I am glad to tell the House that there does appear to be more aid getting into Gaza in total, and the cost of flour has slightly reduced, but there is still considerable looting. The aid operation is not working as it should. The UK supports the UN and its agencies. The GHF is not working.