Newspaper Column – The Voice – 21/04/25

Of all current international concerns, the one constituents have shown greatest concern is the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the West Bank and Israel. People are anxious the UK contributes constructively to secure peaceful solutions, to secure the return of remaining hostages, bring an end to the conflict, the killing, and, of course, for a lasting peace. 

I appreciate there will always be those who believe we should keep out of matters beyond our own borders, concentrate on our own problems and leave Israelis and Palestinians to themselves. However, the United Kingdom has a substantial legacy of intervention in the Middle East, has contributed to shaping the country, its borders and (divided) communities; so it’s not a place on which we can nor should turn our back. The UK also holds a pivotal role in the United Nations, is a significant trading partner, a major arms supplier, a country whose military base in Cyprus is and has been used to monitor and militarily intervene in the region, and thousands of UK citizens have very strong family and other ties with both Israelis and Palestinians.  

I was invited to spend the last week visiting the West Bank and Israel, hosted by a non-governmental organisation working to establish peace across the Middle East. I visited with another Shockat Adam MP (Independent Alliance – Leicester S). Only a week earlier two fellow MPs were deported before entering Israel. We had half-anticipated the same. However, I’d contacted Foreign Secretary David Lammy MP and the British Embassy to ensure the Israeli government was fully aware of our intended arrival and had time to consider its position. Although I was initially sent back at the Tel Aviv Border Control and detained, I was permitted after a wait of less than an hour, as was Shockat. 

We met many Israeli and Palestinian people, medics, Knesset Members, lawyers, human rights campaigns, refugees and many checkpoint soldiers, security guards etc. 

There’s no doubt in our minds that Israel is an apartheid state. There are broadly two communities of people. People A live in relative prosperity, with the full range of facilities of a civilised western country. Whether by law or convention, they enjoy better health services, schools and public services, travel on better buses and trains, and have democratic rights to vote for the government which has most impact on their lives. However, those in Community B receive more limited opportunities, significantly more restrictions on their rights and freedoms and have no right to vote in nation state elections, and which controls their rights, freedoms and quality of life. 

I recognise I am but merely the latest in a substantial stream of thousands of politicians, academics, campaigners, diplomats, think-tanks etc which have reviewed the unacceptable and unsustainable situation in this region, and therefore do not claim I can offer magic wand solutions nor a blinding of flash of inspired advice which has bypassed all of those others with finer minds than mine and who have invariably studied the appalling situation in this country in more depth. Seeking a peaceful resolution after decades of conflict – and perhaps the very worst of all conflicts presently in Gaza – must be for the benefit of both Israelis and Palestinians.  Achieving this will clearly require a major political change from that presently pursued by Israel and herculean diplomatic effort. 

For my own part, I became less persuaded that the perpetual parroting of the proposed “Two State Solution” is any longer helpful or achievable. I’ve parroted it myself, but having now visited the region, I’m less sure it is the best focus for those who want to secure long-term peace. It creates a veneer of purposefulness but seems a too far-off and unachievable prospect and a platitudinous waste of words in the ears of Palestinians and a red rag to many Israelis.  

For my own part I would suggest a “Two Stage Solution” (note subtle but significant change of just one letter). It’s based on the recognition that there will be no resolution to the conflict and strife until the apartheid state of Israel is dismantled and for full, universal suffrage and democracy to be introduced across the whole country. So, the two-stage solution would be based on: 

1. Universal suffrage and an election which provides all citizens (including all Palestinians) within the state of Israel to vote; 
2. The coming together of all Parties and a process of truth and reconciliation, which builds a new country or, if preferred, two distinct states.

In the meantime, the process of securing a permanent ceasefire, return of all hostages from Gaza, and the reversal of the process of aggressive evictions of Palestinians from their West Bank homes and communities must be advanced. 

My message to the UK government is also relatively simple. 

• Stop all our armament sales and supplies. 

• Encourage Israel to adopt a path of peace (for its own good and for the good of Palestinians) and to introduce sanctions until it does. 

• Recognise and assert that Palestinians should be granted equality, equal rights and votes on all matters affecting them and to promote this in all communications with Israel. 

• Recognise that Palestinians have as much equal rights to statehood, as have Israelis. 

I don’t expect government ministers to accept all of these proposals straight away. I will press them on these matters. 

Andrew George MP