The Situation in Gaza
Since the General Election, I have received an exceptionally high volume of correspondence in relation to the abhorrent situation in Gaza and the West Bank.
I feel it is prudent to share a publicly available and comprehensive response, outlining both my own and the Liberal Democrats’ position, and addressing the many concerns that constituents have raised. Please click the subheadings/links/pages below for statements on specific issues.
Situation Update (Posted 22nd January 2026)
***Israel's decision to restrict international humanitarian aid organisations from operating in the occupied Palestinian territory is a deeply troubling development.
The Liberal Democrats have been at the forefront of calling for accountability and action on the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. While the attention of the world is seized by the illegal actions of the US President, it is crucial that the UK works closely with our allies to support just, lawful and humanitarian action in the Middle East.
After two years of widespread destruction, people in Gaza are already facing severe shortages of food, clean water and medical supplies in the midst of winter. This latest move by the Israeli Government - making it even more difficult for aid organisations to get supplies to those most in need - will only worsen the suffering of Palestinians in the Strip.
My colleague and Foreign Affairs spokesperson Calum Miller asked the Foreign Secretary about this very issue on the 5th January, asking her what immediate action the Government is taking to persuade Israel to reverse its decision to bar reputable international aid agencies from Gaza and the West Bank.
The Liberal Democrats have consistently called for the Israeli Government to fully reopen all aid routes into Gaza to alleviate the man-made humanitarian catastrophe there. We oppose any measures that prevent aid organisations from delivering life-saving assistance. I have signed EDM 2619 to this effect, you can read it here.
Another related issue of vital concern is the continued expansion of illegal Israeli settlements on Palestinian soil. These settlements, whose expansion has been driven by the extremists in Netanyahu's Cabinet, are explicitly intended to undermine any prospect of a two-state solution.
Liberal Democrats believe that the UK Government must implement immediate sanctions on members of the Israeli Cabinet involved in settlement expansion, introduce a full ban on trade with the illegal settlements , and publish its response to the 2024 International Court of Justice ruling that Israel's occupation is illegal under international law.
The Liberal Democrats have been consistently pressing the Government to do more to hold the Israeli Government to account, including demanding sanctions against Prime Minister Netanyahu and his Cabinet Ministers for their military campaign in Gaza, and calling for a full ban on military exports to Israel - the first major UK party to call for this.
We continue to call for progress towards a two-state solution, as the only viable way to secure lasting peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.***
With tens of thousands of Palestinians killed and 90% of the population displaced, the humanitarian situation has reached catastrophic proportions. The systematic nature of the destruction, combined with the blocking of essential aid and targeting of civilian infrastructure, raises serious concerns about violations of international law, including actions that constitute genocide and crimes against humanity under the definitions established in international legal frameworks.
Across the region, there are many families mourning loved ones, and many displaced who want to return to their homes. As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has deepened, we’ve been the most vocal party in pushing the Government to apply more and genuine pressure to Netanyahu’s Cabinet. We continue to call for a return to a state of ceasefire, a release of the remaining Israeli hostages from Hamas captivity, ensure unhindered access for aid to enter and be distributed to those desperately in need of it in Gaza, to let displaced people return to their homes, and to continue to promote the conditions that would allow for a two-state solution that secures the long-term peace and coexistence of Israel and a Palestinian state.
In June 2025, all 72 Liberal Democrat MPs called for the recognition of Palestine – as a means to stop illegal settlements in the West Bank and the destruction of Gaza, and to show the UK’s commitment to Palestinians right to self-determination. In July, we co-signed Sarah Champion’s letter in relation to UK recognition of a Palestinian state. We therefore greatly welcome the UK’s official recognition of Palestine on 21st September 2025 as a great step forward but recognise this needs to be followed through by the Government to secure a ceasefire, end the continuous cycle of violence, and to ensure a two-state solution, all of which are the only ways to ensure a permanent end to the conflict.
We continue to call on the Government to:
- End the export of all weapons, including F-35 parts to Israel.
- Sanction Prime Minister Netanyahu and his Ministers for supporting the ever-expanding military campaign in Gaza.
- Introduce a law prohibiting trade between the UK and illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
- Reopen all humanitarian aid routes into Gaza immediately, to address the worsening humanitarian catastrophe.
- Put pressure on regional actors (in particular the government of Qatar) to influence Hamas to release the hostages immediately and unconditionally.
The current trajectory of this conflict serves no one's interests and only deepens suffering on all sides. The UK has both moral obligations and diplomatic capabilities that must be deployed urgently to help end this catastrophe and establish a pathway to just and lasting peace.
I am committed to ensuring that the UK plays a constructive role in ending the humanitarian crisis and supporting the legitimate aspirations of both Palestinians and Israelis for security, dignity, and peace.