(Aberdeen South) (SNP)
As it stands, some 60% of the buildings in Gaza are either
damaged or destroyed. Much of the farmland is in ruin; some
30,000 people are dead, 70,000 are injured, and 1.4 million are
currently sheltering in Rafah, awaiting an imminent Israeli
onslaught. Surely the Prime Minister must accept that that does
not amount to self-defence.
The Prime Minister
I share the concern of many Members about the high rate of
civilian casualties and, indeed, the growing humanitarian crisis
in Gaza. That is why we have called consistently for an immediate
humanitarian pause, which would allow for the safe release of
hostages and more aid going into Gaza, so that we create the
sustainable conditions for a long-term and enduring ceasefire.
That is what our diplomatic efforts are focused on, and that is
what I impressed upon the Israeli Prime Minister last week when I
spoke to him.
Tonight, this House will have the opportunity to join the
majority of the international community and say that enough is
enough, that the killing in Gaza must stop and that the hostages
must be released, and the best way to do that is to send a clear
and united message that we back an immediate ceasefire. Surely,
all of us, irrespective of our political allegiance, can agree on
that very issue?
The Prime Minister
Of course, we want to see the fighting in Gaza end as soon as
possible, and never again allow Hamas to carry out the appalling
terrorist attacks that Israel was subject to. The hon. Member
talks about the UN resolution, but just calling for an immediate
full ceasefire now, which collapses back into fighting within
days or weeks, is not in anyone’s interest. We must work towards
a permanent ceasefire, and that is why the right approach is the
approach that we have set out and the United States has set out
in its resolution, which is for an immediate humanitarian pause
to get hostages out and aid in, so that we then can create the
conditions for a sustainable ceasefire. In the meantime, we are
doing everything we can to increase the amount of humanitarian
aid that we bring into Gaza—something I discussed with the King
of Jordan last week—and we will have more updates in the coming
days of more airdrops into Gaza, but also just in the last couple
of days, that have managed to deliver family tents into Gaza,
which are providing much-needed shelter for very vulnerable
people.
(North Ayrshire and Arran)
(SNP)
Q9. When important matters of life and death are voted on in this
House, does the Prime Minister think MPs should vote according to
their party Whip or according to their conscience?
The Prime Minister
This afternoon the House will have an opportunity to consider its
approach to the situation in Israel and Gaza. Our position is
crystal clear: we have called, and will always call, for an
immediate humanitarian pause, which would allow the safe release
of hostages and more aid to go into Gaza, to create the
conditions for a genuinely sustainable ceasefire. But just
calling for an immediate, full ceasefire now, which would
collapse back into fighting in days or weeks, would not be in
anyone’s interests. We are committed not just to an immediate
humanitarian pause, but to finding a lasting resolution to this
conflict that delivers on the promise of a two-state solution and
ensures that Israelis and Palestinians can live in the future
with dignity and security.
