Labour Friends of Palestine & the Middle East

Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, and those across the UK from the Jewish community who are understandably feeling fearful.

LFPME are deeply saddened to see another violent attack targeting the Jewish community in London. Antisemitism should have no place in the UK and these latest attacks are abhorrent.

Full statement:

Alongside cuts to international aid announced last year, the sudden closure of this unit risks further limiting the UK’s position and contribution to the world stage, and undermines our ability to react quickly and compliantly to breaches of IHL in the Middle East. (5/5)

LFPME is deeply concerned that the FCDO is closing the international humanitarian law (IHL) cell. The cell did essential work establishing the UK government’s obligations under IHL and tracked breaches in Gaza and Lebanon. (1/5) 🧵

This 10 day ceasefire must pave the way to further talks and peaceful negotiation. We must continue to support the structures of international law and call for accountability of violations. No Palestinian, Lebanese or Israeli citizen is made safer by violent escalation. (4/5)

The £5m in humanitarian relief provided by the UK government to Lebanon is welcome, and it must continue to make it clear to the Israeli government that violence targeting civilian infrastructure is completely unacceptable and in breach of international humanitarian law. (3/5)

LFPME welcomes the ceasefire agreed between Israel and Lebanon yesterday. We ask the international community to use every diplomatic channel to hold all parties to this agreement. (1/5)

Direct negotiations can pave the way to bring lasting security for Lebanon and Israel. With international partners, the UK calls for the inclusion of Lebanon in regional de-escalation efforts. All parties must work together for a lasting solution. gov.uk/government/new…

The two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran today is welcomed by the UK and our allies. The goal now must be a lasting end to the war. Alongside our international partners, the UK will work to ensure a return to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

The E1 settlement plan is a flagrant breach of international law and critically threatens the viability of a Palestinian state.

An escalation of conflict in Lebanon and Israel is in no one’s interest.

Yesterday alongside @caabu & @PalestineAPPG we hosted the Ambassadors of Lebanon, Palestine, Egypt, Jordan & Saudi Arabia, and representatives from Qatar & the Arab League, for a briefing on the US-Israel war in the Middle East and its impact on the region.

LFPME Statement on military escalation in the Middle East 👇

The UK's decision to recognise the State of Palestine was a historic moment – 75 years in the making. On the first day of Ramadan, the Minister for the Middle East @HFalconerMP visited the Embassy of Palestine.

LFPME welcomes @JamesAsser, who is taking on the role of co-Chair alongside Sarah Owen MP from this month. 🌹🤝🇵🇸