With permission, Madam Deputy Speaker, I will make a statement on the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
On the ground, it is unimaginably bleak. Horrifying images and accounts will be seared into the minds of colleagues across this House. They are almost impossible to put into words. But we can and must be precise with our language. Because on 22 August, the UN-backed IPC mechanism confirmed what we are witnessing: famine. Famine in Gaza City. Famine in its surrounding neighbourhoods, now spreading across the wider territory. Famine which, unchecked, will spiral into widespread starvation.
This was foreseen. Since 1 July, over 300 people have died from malnutrition, including 119 children. More than 132,000 children under the age of five are at risk of dying from hunger by June of next year. This is not a natural disaster. It is a man-made famine, in the twenty-first century.
I am outraged by the Israeli government’s refusal to allow sufficient aid. We need a massive, massive humanitarian response to prevent more deaths, crucial NGOs, humanitarians and health-workers allowed to operate, and stockpiles of aid on Gaza’s borders released. As a result, in the past three months over two thousand Gazans have been killed trying to feed their families. And Hamas themselves are exploiting the chaos and deliberately starving Israeli hostages for abhorrent political purposes.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I know that these words of condemnation, echoed across legislatures all over the world, are not enough. But be in no doubt: we have acted, as a country, where we can. We restored funding to UNRWA. We suspended arms exports that could be used in Gaza. We signed a landmark agreement with the Palestinian Authority. We stood up for the independence of international courts. We have delivered three sanctions packages, three, on violent settlers and far-right Israeli Ministers for incitement.
We are at the forefront of the international community’s work to plan for a stable, post-conflict peace And we have provided nearly over £250m in development assistance over the past two years. Madam Deputy Speaker, today we are going further. I can announce an additional £15m of aid and medical care for Gaza and the region.
### The Famine Crisis: A Growing Concern
The situation on the ground is dire. The IPC mechanism has confirmed widespread famine, with devastating consequences for civilians. The international community has a moral obligation to respond. We need to work together to prevent further deaths and alleviate suffering.
### Historical Background: The Peace Process in Jeopardy
The peace process in the Middle East has been under strain for years. The Israeli government's refusal to negotiate has led to increased tensions, with devastating consequences for civilians. The recent outbreak of violence has pushed the situation to a breaking point.
### Key Stakeholders: Their Roles and Motivations
Israel: The Israeli government's actions have exacerbated the crisis. Their refusal to allow sufficient aid has contributed to the famine.
Hamas: Hamas is exploiting the chaos and deliberately starving Israeli hostages for abhorrent political purposes.
Palestinian Authority: The Palestinian Authority has been critical of Israel's actions, but its leadership has been inconsistent.
International Community: The international community has a moral obligation to respond. We need to work together to prevent further deaths and alleviate suffering.
### Recent Developments: A Shift in Dynamics
In recent months, the situation on the ground has deteriorated rapidly. The IPC mechanism's confirmation of widespread famine has pushed the situation to a breaking point. The international community must take immediate action to prevent further deaths and alleviate suffering.
### Future Impact: Consequences for Global Stability
The consequences of inaction will be severe. The crisis in Gaza will have far-reaching implications for global stability, with potential spillover into other regions. We need to work together to prevent this from happening.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I commend this statement to the House.
### Expert Insights: Analysis and Context
"The situation on the ground is dire. The IPC mechanism's confirmation of widespread famine is a wake-up call for the international community. We need to take immediate action to prevent further deaths and alleviate suffering." – Dr. Amal Eid, Senior Policy Analyst at Chatham House