EDM 864 – Israel’s Military Presence in the West Bank

The actions of the Israeli government in the West Bank, Gaza, and against wider Palestine should be granted the highest-level international intervention and action. 

As I’m sure you will be aware, I have been one of the most outspoken critics of the Netanyahu government and the cold-blooded slaughter of over 50K Palestinians – mostly women and children. Here is a link to the many statements I’ve made: Defence and Foreign Affairs Archives – Andrew George 

The reports you reference are truly distressing. The loss of innocent lives, including the deaths of children like Ayman Al-Hemouni and Rimas Ammouri, is an atrocity which must not go unchallenged. The images of destruction and displacement that you describe in Jenin, Masafer Yatta, and East Jerusalem are a stark reminder of the ongoing human suffering caused by the actions of Netanyahu’s government. This demands significant international intervention. 

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has made it clear that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory is unlawful. Under international law, Britain has a legal obligation not to assist or support this illegal occupation. The UK government must take immediate steps to uphold its obligations, cease all military cooperation with Israel, halt all arms sales which could be used by Israel, and ensure that no products from illegal Israeli settlements are imported into the UK. 

It is essential we hold our government accountable in the face of international law being undermined by the actions of both the Israeli government and the US administration. The proposed laws to criminalise cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC), coupled with the US’s attempts to impose sanctions on the ICC, are deeply troubling and must be met with resolute opposition. Parliamentarians must be unwavering in their commitment to upholding international law, and I will continue to advocate for this on every occasion.  Sadly, most Conservative and all Reform MPs have no sympathy for this position. 

I have signed EDM 825, which calls for urgent action to address the ongoing human rights abuses in the occupied Palestinian territories. Our UK government must be held to account. I will continue to press for action. 

As one of the more outspoken MPs I have been invited to work with the West Bank in the coming weeks and to meet Palestinians attempting to protect their rights. 

I will continue to raise these issues and press the government to act in accordance with its legal obligations and the principles of justice and human rights.