Government is 'deeply concerned' about Israeli incursion into Rafah

We want to see an end to the fighting as soon as possible. Well over six months since Hamas’s terror attack against Israel, it is appalling that the hostages are still being held. Very many civilians are also dying in Gaza, and this weekend Hamas rockets killed 4 IDF soldiers and injured others. As we have said, the fastest way to end the conflict is to secure a deal which gets the hostages out and allows for a pause in the fighting in Gaza. We must then turn that pause into a sustainable, permanent ceasefire. Regarding the situation in Rafah, Mr. Speaker, our position has been consistent. We are deeply concerned about the prospect of a military incursion, given the number of civilians that are sheltering there and the importance of that entry point for aid. Entry points for humanitarian aid, including Karim Shalom must be reopened quickly to allow aid in Israel, must facilitate immediate uninterrupted humanitarian access in the South, especially the entry of fuel, and ensure protection of civilians and safe passage for those who wish to leave Rafah. As yet, we have not seen a credible plan to protect civilians. We are of course, following closely the latest developments around the hostage talks. At this stage, while events are still shifting, I cannot provide the House, as the House will understand, with a detailed running commentary. As the British Government has said, we want to see a deal agreed that would ensure the release of hostages and a pause in the fighting. A generous offer was on the table last week proposed by Egypt, accepted by Israel. We need to see Hamas accept a viable deal and we can start building the momentum towards a permanent sustained ceasefire. In parallel, we continue to push as hard as we can to get much needed aid into Gaza, vital land routes alongside sea and air to alleviate the suffering. Israel has now committed to significant steps to increase the amount of aid getting into Gaza. We now need to see this turned into action to ensure aid actually gets over the border and that it is safely and properly distributed. We look to Israel to meet its commitments to flood Gaza with aid. Ultimately, Mr. Speaker, we need a long term solution to this crisis. This means the release of all hostages seeing Hamas’s rule dismantled, their ability to attack Israel removed a new Palestinian government for the West Bank and Gaza, and fifthly, a political horizon to A2 state solution. Israelis and Palestinians should be able to live side by side together in peace and security. This is our goal. We will continue working tirelessly to achieve it. Mr. Speaker, this is a profoundly concerning moment in this awful war. Ceasefire negotiations appear to be going backwards today. The war is not just continuing, it’s escalating. Labour has been clear for months that we oppose an offensive in Rafa, which risks catastrophic consequences. The US has said that it would be a disaster, the EU has said the world must prevent it and the UN Security Council has called for an immediate ceasefire. Benjamin Netanyahu is ignoring the warnings of Israel’s allies and partners, the UK included. Mr. Speaker Hamas is a terrorist organization. It’s cowardly tactics are reprehensible, but that does not change Israel’s obligation to follow the rules of war or the government’s obligations on arms exports. So can the minister say why he thinks an attack on Rafa does not present a clear risk of a serious breach of international humanitarian law? And can you confirm whether he has received any assessment? Not legal advice, but any assessment or policy advice from SCDO officials that the threshold has already been met. Now more than ever, we need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and unimpeded aid to Gaza. Here first Britain, together with our allies through the United Nations, where I remind him on Security Council resolution 2020 and 2028, Britain was pivotal in securing those resolutions. We are working together to try and improve what is a terrible situation and, Mr. Speaker, we will continue to do just that, I hope, with the support of the whole House.