This week we issued the strongest condemnation of Israel ever from a UK Government.

We have formally changed the UK Government’s view that Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territory is unlawful in its entirety. We have introduced an import ban on goods from illegal settlements in the occupied territories, a ban on the advertising in the UK of illegal settlement properties, personal sanctions against key individuals accused of promoting settler violence and a new ban for arms licenses and other exports that contribute to the occupation. I strongly welcome these measures.

The UK Government has long called for a Two-State solution and today our call for that has been renewed alongside carefully targeted sanctions against the Israeli Government, not the Israeli people.

The UN has reported more than 1,500 incidents of settler violence so far this year whilst the Israeli government has approved 104 settlements since December 2022. Ahead of the Israeli elections in October, the government is allowing tenders for the construction of the E1 mega settlement to cut out the heart of the West bank. This would make a Two-State solution near impossible, it must be stopped.

I have visited Palestine and the West Bank and have seen first-hand and spoken to families who’s daily lives are impacted by settler violence. They live under constant threat without even the most basic human rights. This cannot continue.

I have always vehemently condemned Hamas and the horrific terrorist attack against Israel on 7th October 2023. However, it must not be used to justify the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza or the West Bank.

Working with our allies in Canada and Europe, these sanctions are to put pressure specifically on the Israeli government, not the Israeli people.

I will continue to listen to communities across Cardiff North and work with my government colleagues to address the humanitarian crisis and secure lasting peace.