Last night Parliament voted against the amendment tabled by the SNP calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. I cannot pretend that any votes, debates or correspondence with constituents on this issue is easy.
There has been horrendous loss of life since 7th October, both in Israel from the terrible attack by Hamas, and since then in Gaza. I believe we all want the bloodshed to stop, and we all recognise that it is civilians who have suffered most.
I also recognise that the greater the loss of civilian life, the increase there is in the risk of further radicalisation. However, a permanent ceasefire requires that both sides cease all hostilities. Hamas has made it very clear they will not do that, and they will continue to launch 7th October style attacks on Israel. Their goal is the annihilation of both the people and state of Israel.
Israel has also indicated it will not cease military operations until hostages are free. This week I listened to the heart rending stories of British citizens with family members currently held hostage, their agony is very obvious. And the truth is that the UK Parliament calling for a ceasefire will not deliver one.
That does not mean the UK Parliament has given Israel Carte Blanche to continue operating in the manner it has done over the past 43 days. In the same way I took the time to listen to Jewish families, I have also been playing my part in providing support and information to constituents who are seeking routes to safety for their loved ones in Gaza.
The horrific number of civilians deaths we have seen in Gaza cannot continue, and they risk putting Israel in breach of international law. No nation can be exempt from the rule of law. And we need to see temporary pauses and suspensions of military action put in place to enable humanitarian efforts to reach those most in need. Israel must, as the Minister said yesterday, take urgent measures to minimise civilian casualties, to limit attacks to military targets and stop extremist settler violence in the West Bank.
We also know that Israel has some of the most sophisticated military capability in the world. They have the capacity to deploy precision targeting and, in line with international law, they should demonstrate they are using that capability and not brutal aerial bombardment that imperils citizens the most.
Hamas has shown the world it has no regard for civilian life, both via their attacks in Israel and their use of human shields. I urge all those with any influence in the region to exert every endeavour to encourage Hamas to release civilian hostages.
