Rt Hon Sadiq Khan MP: I have already written to William Hague, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, asking that he use all influence possible on behalf of the UK to achieve an immediate halt to the violence, an end to the ongoing siege of Gaza, and ensure that human rights and international law are upheld. I have also written to the Secretary of State for International Development, to request that all efforts be made to ensure a free flow of vital life-saving aid, medical supplies and other equipment to Gaza via humanitarian aid organisations.” 12 July 2014
Yasmin Qureshi MP: It is ironic that on the very day we are reflecting on lessons from Srebrenica we are overwhelmed by scenes of carnage in Gaza as the Humanitarian crisis continues to deepen. What we see unfolding before our eyes is the Collective Punishment of many innocent Palestineans, a brutal and disproportionate use of force on an oppressed and starving population. The Telegraph reports that over half of those killed by Israeli forces are innocent women and children. This is simply outrageous. Yet rather shockingly our mainstream television media is intent on reminding us that it is in fact ‘‘Israel under renewed Hamas Attack’’
Let me be clear, I am not condoning attacks on Israel, it should not be ignored or belittled. My frustration is that an Israeli life is deemed to be more important than a Palestinian life. Where is the balance from our ‘impartial’ broadcasters? 11 July 2014
Shabana Mahmood MP: This is a desperate situation. Waiting for the next wave of attacks is no way to live and, like many other onlookers, I fear where this is going to end. Almost all the casualties so far have been Palestinian civilians. They are bearing the brunt of this bloody escalation. I sincerely hope that Hamas will stop firing its rockets and that the Israeli Government can be persuaded to stand down. The Israeli bombardments are indiscriminate and lethal. The tragic loss of civilian life in Gaza has now topped 120 – a fifth are children. I have written to the Foreign Secretary to urge him to exert whatever pressure he can to persuade the Israeli Government to stop its attacks. The British Government must do all it can to bring about a ceasefire and prevent further loss of life. The people of Israel and Palestine need an immediate ceasefire followed by a resumption of negotiations. With every dead body we get further away from the peaceful two state solution to the conflict in the Middle East that is so desperately needed. 12 July 2014
Anas Sarwar MP: When the Israeli teenagers were kidnapped and brutally and wrongfully killed, the Government called members to the House of Commons for an urgent statement. Those responsible for this unprovoked crime should be held to account and punished. The Israeli authorities have since continuously and indiscriminately bombarded the Gaza Strip with war planes, including specially adapted deadly F16s, killing at least 120 people with the death toll still climbing. The Government must make an equally robust statement, demand an immediate halt to the violence and an end to the continued siege on Gaza – allowing the free flow of medicine, equipment and supplies. No state can be seen as being above international law. 11 July 2014
Shabana Mahmood MP: ”
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