🤝 Gaza: Humanitarian Situation

• Ceasefire Agreement Update: The UK Labour Government supports the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, which aims to end the fighting and secure the release of hostages. They acknowledge the efforts of Qatar, Egypt, and the US in achieving this ceasefire, and express concern for the remaining hostages, particularly those with UK connections.

• Humanitarian Aid Efforts: Since the ceasefire began, Israel has facilitated more aid into Gaza. Over 200,000 food parcels have been distributed across more than 130 points. The UK has been actively involved in providing humanitarian support, including reversing the suspension of UNRWA funding, and aiding UK-Med field hospitals and UNICEF.

• Additional Financial Support: The UK has committed £17 million to support UN and medical partners in Gaza, aiming to provide healthcare, food, and shelter. Part of this funding, £2 million, will go to the World Bank for reconstructing water and energy infrastructure. This brings the UK’s total aid commitment to £129 million for the current financial year.

• Aid Delivery Challenges: The UK is working with Jordan to deliver medical supplies via air, though road routes remain essential. The UK calls for Israel to allow more essential items into Gaza and stresses the need to clear unexploded bombs and restore basic services.

• UNRWA and Israeli Legislation: The UK opposes recent Israeli legislation that could disrupt UNRWA’s operations, set to take effect soon. They emphasize UNRWA’s critical role and urge Israel to reconsider this decision to ensure continued humanitarian support.

• Reconstruction and Future Governance: The UK is engaging with international partners and the Palestinian Authority on Gaza’s reconstruction. They support a future governance without Hamas and are aiding the Palestinian Authority in reforms to possibly assume responsibility in Gaza.

• Response to Hostage Situations and Settlements: The government continues to demand the release of all hostages and criticizes the violence and expansion of settlements in the West Bank. They advocate for restraint and the protection of Palestinian civilians.

• International Law and Accountability: The UK supports international law and efforts by the International Criminal Court to investigate potential war crimes. They stress the importance of accountability and respect for humanitarian principles.

• Focus on Children: A significant number of children in Gaza are in need of support to cope with trauma and access healthcare. The UK is committed to aiding these efforts, particularly focusing on education and health services.

• Ongoing Diplomatic Efforts: The UK will continue using diplomatic channels to maintain the ceasefire, push for hostage releases, and support the long-term peace and reconstruction of Gaza, with a focus on enabling a two-state solution.

The parliamentary session on the humanitarian situation in Gaza displays a low level of disagreement, warranting a rating of 1 on a scale from 1 to 5. Throughout the session, there is a general consensus among the members regarding the urgency of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the necessity of upholding the ceasefire, and the importance of releasing all hostages. Both government and opposition members express unified support for the efforts of the UK government to provide aid and work towards a peaceful resolution in the region.

Examples supporting this assessment include:

1. Support for Government Efforts: Multiple speakers, including Priti Patel from the Conservative Party, express appreciation for the government’s efforts in supporting the ceasefire and providing aid (lines 165-171). The Minister, Anneliese Dodds, acknowledges this support, indicating a shared goal of continuing the diplomatic work (lines 205-208).

2. Unified Concern for Hostages and Humanitarian Aid: There is widespread concern about the hostages’ situation and the humanitarian conditions in Gaza, with members expressing relief and hope but also urging for more action. For example, Debbie Abrahams asks for further assistance to the Palestinian Authority and addresses specific issues such as unexploded ordnance (lines 251-265), yet her queries are met with detailed responses rather than contrary positions from the Minister.

3. Consensus on UNRWA Issues: While there is some concern raised about the problems within UNRWA (lines 179-185), the overall stance of the session remains one of support for the organization’s role in Gaza and calls for reform rather than opposition. The Minister reassures the House of the UK’s commitment to support UNRWA’s reforms (lines 216-224).

4. Disagreement but Within Collaborative Framework: Even when members question government actions, such as Sammy Wilson probing the assurance of UK aid not being diverted by Hamas (lines 567-575), the responses indicate a commitment to ensuring that aid reaches those in need without significant contention on the approach itself (lines 576-581).

In general, while there are questions and requests for more detail or action, the session exhibits a cooperative and unified stance among the members in addressing the complex situation in Gaza. The disagreements, when present, are not deeply divisive but rather focused on ensuring effective outcomes and accountability.