😔 Gaza: Israeli Military Operations

• The UK Government expressed deep concern over the resumption of hostilities in Gaza and does not support the expansion of Israel’s military operations.
• The UK urged all parties to return to dialogue and ceasefire negotiations, emphasizing that diplomacy, not military action, is the path to resolving the conflict.
• Israel was called upon to restart the flow of aid into Gaza immediately, as blocking supplies risks breaching international humanitarian law.
• Over 400 aid workers have been killed in Gaza since the conflict began, highlighting the dangerous conditions for humanitarian efforts.
• The UK and France called a UN Security Council meeting to discuss the risks facing humanitarian aid workers in Gaza.
• The UK Government supports a two-state solution as the only way to achieve lasting peace in the region, ensuring both Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace and security.
• There were calls for the UK to name the situation in Gaza as genocide and to investigate crimes under international law, but the Government stated that such determinations are for competent courts.
• The UK was urged to suspend all weapons, munitions, and military equipment sales to Israel to avoid complicity in alleged violations of international law.
• The Government reiterated its opposition to any permanent Israeli military presence in Gaza and any moves to alter Gaza’s borders or demographic makeup.
• The release of hostages held by Hamas was highlighted as crucial for ending the conflict and moving towards peace.
• The UK has been in regular contact with Israeli, US, and regional leaders to discuss the situation and push for a ceasefire.
• There were calls for the UK to recognize a Palestinian state as part of efforts towards a two-state solution, but the Government stated it would do so when the time is right.
• The UK considers Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories illegal and supports proper labeling of settlement goods.
• The Government is committed to supporting peacebuilding efforts in the region, including through the Alliance for Middle East Peace.
• The UK has taken steps such as restoring aid to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency and suspending some arms licenses to Israel.
• There were concerns raised about the weaponization of starvation in Gaza and the need for urgent action to end the aid blockade.
• The UK Government emphasized its ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the conflict and support a return to a ceasefire.

The session exhibits a high level of disagreement, primarily centered around the UK’s policy towards Israel’s military operations in Gaza and the broader conflict. The disagreements are evident in several ways:

1. Policy Disagreement: There is a clear disagreement between the UK government’s stance and the views expressed by various MPs. For instance, Carla Denyer (Green) directly challenges the government to name the situation in Gaza as genocide and to suspend arms sales to Israel, which the Minister, Mr Hamish Falconer, does not agree to, citing legal and policy reasons.

2. Approach to International Law: Several MPs, such as Andy McDonald (Lab) and Richard Burgon (Lab), push for stronger actions against Israel for alleged breaches of international law, including sanctions and arms embargoes. The Minister responds by emphasizing the government’s adherence to international legal processes and the actions already taken, indicating a disagreement on the urgency and nature of the response.

3. Recognition of Palestinian State: There is a recurring theme of disagreement on the recognition of a Palestinian state. MPs like Christine Jardine (LD) and Dawn Butler (Lab) argue for immediate recognition as a step towards peace, while the Minister maintains that recognition should be part of a broader two-state solution process, showing a divergence in timing and approach.

4. Humanitarian Aid and Hostages: The session also reveals disagreement on the effectiveness of the UK’s efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and secure the release of hostages. MPs like Priti Patel (Con) and Jon Pearce (Lab) express frustration over the lack of progress, while the Minister outlines ongoing diplomatic efforts, highlighting a gap between expectations and perceived outcomes.

5. Military Operations and Settlements: There is significant disagreement on the UK’s response to Israel’s military operations and settlement expansions. MPs like Abtisam Mohamed (Lab) and Paul Waugh (Lab/Co-op) criticize the government for not taking stronger action against what they perceive as war crimes and illegal settlements, whereas the Minister reiterates the government’s position on international law and diplomatic efforts.

The session is rated a 4 out of 5 for disagreement due to the intensity and frequency of these disagreements, which span across multiple critical issues related to the conflict. The MPs’ persistent questioning and the Minister’s responses highlight a significant divide in policy and action expectations.