On Hamas and the hostages

We unequivocally condemn Hamas’ terrorist attacks of October 7, which killed over 1,200 innocent Israelis and in which 253 hostages were taken. Many survivors remain traumatised by the use of sexual violence and there remains an ongoing hostage situation, representing an act of terrorism that cannot be justified under any circumstances. Hamas’ treatment of the hostages - both in captivity and during their release - has been horrific, as has been the psychological torment they’ve inflicted on the hostages’ families. We are deeply concerned for the people who are still held hostage, including those that Israel declares have been killed. We continue to demand the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining hostages.

 The Liberal Democrats firmly believe that Hamas should remain a proscribed terrorist organisation and that those responsible for the atrocities of 7 October 2023 are held to account.  

We resolutely condemn the way in which Hamas has treated the hostages, both in captivity and upon their release. We continue to call for Hamas to unconditionally and immediately release the remaining Israeli hostages, including the bodies of those who have been killed in Hamas’ captivity.

The Liberal Democrats also recognise that Hamas has been funded and directly supported by the Iranian regime. As funders and exporters of terrorism, the case for proscribing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is clear. It has also been recommended by Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee. We support the proscription of the IRGC as a terrorist organisation. It is the right thing to do. And it would send a strong signal to the Iranian regime that their continued funding of terrorist activities across the region will not be tolerated.

The Liberal Democrats recognise that only a political and diplomatic solution, not a military one, will resolve this conflict, get Hamas out of power and deliver a lasting peace. That’s why we continue to urge the UK Government to do all it can to secure a lasting peace with a two state solution - based on 1967 borders - which will give Israelis and Palestinians the security they deserve.