Thank you to everyone who has written to me about the horrific situation in Israel and Palestine. I have followed the unfolding events closely and have been – and continue to be – horrified by what we are seeing. I unequivocally condemn Hamas’s horrific attack on civilians and share the desire to see an urgent end to Israel’s siege of Gaza, an immediate ceasefire, and a just peace that respects the human rights of everyone.
I wanted to update people in Sheffield Hallam on the actions I have taken over the last month.
In the immediate wake of the attack on 7th October, I met with representatives of the local Jewish community in Sheffield to offer my condolences, understand their perspectives and hear concerns about the appalling spike of anti-Semitism that has followed. I also met with NGOs who deliver lifesaving medical aid within Gaza to listen to their concerns about the developing humanitarian crisis affecting many civilians there. I maintained close contact with my colleagues on the Opposition frontbench to both learn more and communicate the views of myself and my constituents.
I have written to the Prime Minister to share my condemnation of Hamas’s attack and to emphasise the importance of securing the release of hostages. I have also asked –
- What steps his government is taking to ensure that civilians, medical and aid workers are protected during the bombardment of Gaza, irrespective of whether they stay in the north or are displaced to the south?
- What assurance the Government is seeking that displaced people will be able to return home?
- How will he ensure that the aid announced this week is not only supplied but that it is able to reach people in Gaza?
For my full letter to the Prime Minister, see here.
As events have subsequently unfolded, I have signed a parliamentary motion entitled ‘Protecting Civilians in Gaza and Israel’ (EDM 1685) which calls on the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary to urgently press all parties to agree to an immediate de-escalation and cessation of hostilities; to ensure the immediate, unconditional release of the Israeli hostages; to end the total siege of Gaza and allow for unfettered access of medical supplies, food, fuel electricity and water; to guarantee that international humanitarian law is upheld and that civilians are protected in accordance with those laws.
Following concerns expressed by the UN that the order to evacuate 1.1 million Palestinians from the north of Gaza could violate international law, I have written to the Foreign Secretary to ask –
- What assurances he has sought that displaced people will be allowed to return to their homes? Has he raised the UN warnings about forced displacement with Israeli officials or – given the gravity of these warnings – made any representations to Israeli officials that the evacuation order be rescinded?
- What representations has he made to Israeli government officials to ensure that civilians, medical and aid workers are protected, irrespective of whether they stay in the north or are displaced to the south?
- What actions his office has sought from the Israeli government to enable the delivery and distribution of much-needed aid? What conversations he has had to bring about an end to the restriction of aid and end the siege?
- Will the Government support the International Criminal Court investigation into events in the region and press for it to have increased funding?
For my full letter to the Foreign Secretary, see here.
I have also spoken in the House of Commons Chamber to ask the Foreign Secretary directly what representations he has made to Israeli government officials to ensure civilians and aid workers are protected in Gaza.
Having heard of the difficulties encountered by humanitarian organisations on the ground in trying to meet with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office at Ministerial level, I have also submitted a written question asking what recent discussions the Foreign Secretary has had with humanitarian organisations on delivering aid in Gaza
Finally, I am a co-signatory of this letter, alongside other Sheffield Labour MPs, which says that the immediate priority should be the unconditional return of hostages to their families and calls for humanitarian aid to be admitted into Gaza and for a cessation of military activity.
I hope this is a useful update. I will continue to watch the situation closely – and provide regular updates to constituents.