The level of suffering is appalling, and the Israeli government’s actions are completely unacceptable. The UK Labour Government want this war to end immediately, Hamas to release all the hostages and Israel to lift all restrictions on humanitarian aid.

We have two straightforward messages for the Government of Israel: allow a full resumption of aid into Gaza immediately and enable the UN and humanitarian organisations to work independently and impartially to save lives, reduce suffering and maintain dignity. Humanitarian aid should never be contingent on a ceasefire or used as a political tool. It is vital that all barriers to aid delivery be lifted without delay.

The UK Labour Government is outraged by the recent strikes on humanitarian personnel, healthcare facilities, and infrastructure by Israeli forces. Israel must conduct thorough, transparent investigations into each incident, hold those responsible to account, and urgently reinstate an effective deconfliction system to prevent such tragedies.

I, along with the UK Labour Government, totally oppose the expansion of Israel’s operations. Any attempt to annex land or alter the demographic composition of Palestinian territory would be entirely unacceptable. The path forward must be one of peace, not escalation. That is why we are continuing to call for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, the urgent provision of humanitarian aid, and a pathway to a political solution.

While we strongly demand that Hamas release all hostages held in captivity, we do not believe that an expanded military conflict will secure their safe return. This position is echoed by many families of the hostages themselves, who have called for restraint and a diplomatic approach. In April, our Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mustafa, to reaffirm the UK and Palestinian Authority's commitment to a two-state solution.

The UK Labour Government has been active on the international stage. We have worked alongside the governments of France and Germany to condemn Israel’s restrictions on aid and to press for immediate relief. We have also used our position on the United Nations Security Council to call for an end to these inexcusable barriers to humanitarian support.

Please be assured that I will continue to support calls for the Israeli Government to lift all restrictions on aid, enable the UN and aid partners to do their work and ensure that food and other critical supplies can reach people safely wherever they are, across all of Gaza. I was pleased that last month the UK Labour Government announced £4m of additional to humanitarian support for the British Red Cross through the Palestinian Red Crescent Society. This support has meant that 65,000 people have received essential healthcare, 640,000 have received food, and 275,000 have improved access to water, sanitation and hygiene services.

Please be assured that I will continue to press for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and a comprehensive humanitarian response. The suffering in Gaza cannot be allowed to continue unchecked. 

Anna McMorrin
Member of Parliament for Cardiff North | Government Whip
Aelod Seneddol Gogledd Caerdydd | Chwip Llywodraeth