I strongly condemn the restrictions on humanitarian aid within Gaza and I’m particularly alarmed about the situation in northern Gaza.

I am concerned about the severe impact of Israeli strikes on civilian infrastructure, including healthcare facilities, which are facing critical shortages in medical supplies, food, and water. Israel must comply fully with international humanitarian law.

I was happy to support the UK, together with France and Algeria, in their call an emergency UN Security Council to address this dire situation. I also support the UK Ambassador to the UN’s statement that northern Gaza must not be cut off from the south. Palestinian civilians must be permitted to return and there should be no reduction in the territory of the Gaza Strip.

I am worried about the attempts to undermine the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) by the Israeli Government as it acts as the backbone of the humanitarian response in Gaza and should be able to continue its lifesaving work.

Similarly, I am disturbed by reports that UN agencies have had to postpone the rollout of the polio vaccine campaign in northern Gaza.

In response to this devastating crisis, the Government has announced funding for UK-Med’s efforts to provide medical treatment in Gaza, for UNICEF’s work to support vulnerable families in Gaza and for Egyptian health facilities treating medically evacuated Palestinians from Gaza. The Government are also matching donations to the Disaster Emergency Committee’s Middle East Humanitarian Appeal.

I welcome the Government’s decision to sanction extremist settlers and to restore funding to UNRWA.

I am also supportive of the Government’s difficult decision to suspend export licences that it assessed might be used by the Israeli Defence Forces for military operations in Gaza. This does not change the Government’s support for Israel’s national security.

More broadly, I believe that the Palestinian and Israeli people alike have a right to self-determination, safety, and security, and we must all work together to provide a pathway towards a two-state solution.

I can reassure you that I will continue to call for more humanitarian aid to get into Gaza.

Best wishes

Rt Hon Hilary Benn
MP for Leeds South
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland