The breakdown of the ceasefire and resumption of bloodshed in Gaza, the blockade of humanitarian aid and the killing of aid workers and paramedics are awful developments.

Israel and Hamas must urgently restore the deal. The ceasefire was the best chance we had seen to return the hostages to their families, dramatically increase aid to Gaza and end the conflict. The consequences of the breakdown are catastrophic for the hostages, their loved ones and the Palestinian civilians who have already endured so much. I fear for ability of the devastated Gazan health service to handle further conflict.

It is crucial that reconstruction begins and the UK Government opposes moving Palestinians to neighbouring Arab states against their will and any attempted reduction in Gazan territory. Palestinians must be able to return and rebuild their homes and their lives. Aid should never be used as a political tool. Israel must immediately restart the flow of aid. Blocking goods, supplies and power from entering Gaza risks breaching international humanitarian law.

The Government considers the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice carefully. As you know, the Government has suspended relevant export licences to Israel. Following a rigorous process in line with the UK’s legal obligations, the Government found a clear risk that military exports to Israel, where used for military operations in Gaza, might be used in serious violations of international humanitarian law. This effectively covers all arms exports for use in the Gaza conflict.

I oppose illegal settlements in the West Bank as an obstacle to peace which threatens a two-state solution and I am appalled by the violent escalation there. The Government strongly condemns settler violence and the actions of those who encourage violence and inflame tensions and any attempts to annex Gaza or the West Bank.

In October, the Government issued sanctions against settler outposts and organisations that have supported and sponsored violence against communities in the West Bank.

I assure you the Government is working closely with international partners to return to diplomacy as the only way to achieve security for both Israelis and Palestinians. There remains no military solution to this conflict. A two-state solution which guarantees security and stability for both Israelis and Palestinians remains the only path to a just and lasting peace.

As a Cabinet Minister, I am not able to sign EDM 757.

Thank you to those constituents who have contacted me about this deeply distressing issue.

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