Ceasefire

For two months, the fragile ceasefire earlier this year provided space for the release of hostages and, until early March, the flooding of Gaza with vital aid to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians. The return of Israeli strikes on Gaza has been heartbreaking - for all Palestinians who have already seen their communities devastated by long months of war, for the remaining hostages and their families, and for the world.

We need a return of the ceasefire immediately. It's clear there needs to be far greater action to stop the humanitarian disaster in Gaza and secure a ceasefire. The Prime Minister should be applying pressure on Israel by fully ceasing arms sales, and implementing sanctions against the Israeli cabinet. Utilising the recognition of Palestine as a bargaining chip to secure a ceasefire was fraught with difficulties. The UK Government should be working around the clock to make clear to the Israeli Government that it must change course. 

Looking forward, Arab states also have a crucial role to play in supporting a return to a ceasefire. Their proposed reconstruction plan for Gaza provides a pragmatic approach to rebuilding the Strip, especially in contrast to extreme proposals such as those suggested by Donald Trump, which dangerously threaten Palestinian displacement. The UK Government must work closely with regional partners on this effort.

We must open the door to the two-state solution which is the only way to deliver the security and dignity which Israelis and Palestinians deserve.