Labour Friends of Palestine & the Middle East

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. 🌹🤝🇵🇸

Building a strong and lasting peace in Gaza must be led by existing international bodies and within existing frameworks of international law, and must involve Palestinians.

Alongside Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and other partners, the UK condemns the approval of 19 new settlements in Palestine by the Israeli Security Cabinet and calls for this decision to be reversed. International law must be respected in pursuit of a lasting peace. 👇

Good to join @hzomlot and MPs at @LFPME Christmas event, where we stood united in condemning heinous antisemitic attack in Australia, and renewed calls for #HumanitarianAid into #Gaza and #peace in the region. Ambassador also thanked Labour government for recognising #Palestine.

The UK condemns the Israeli government’s approval of 19 new settlements in Palestine. These are illegal under international law. This risks undermining the 20 Point Plan and prospects for the long-term peace and security that only a two state solution can deliver.

The people of Gaza desperately need shelter items and aid this winter - right now, the UK government is matching donations to the @decappeal pound for pound, up to £3m.

Hanukkah should be such a special time for Jewish friends. Today it is marked by another horrific attack. My thoughts are with all those affected by this terrible tragedy. This attack shows again that antisemitism is not just rhetoric, but an evil with deadly consequences.

Chanukah should be a time of celebration and joy. The news that the Bondi beach attack was an antisemitic terrorist attack against Jewish families at a Chanukah event is sickening. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. The United Kingdom will always stand with Australia and the Jewish community. We are actively working with the @CST_UK on the policing of Chanukah events.

In #Gaza, winter rains are falling, once again, bringing new hardships. Flooded streets and soaked tents are making already dire living conditions even more dangerous. Cold, overcrowded, and unsanitary environments heighten the risk of illness and infection. This suffering could be prevented by unhindered humanitarian aid, including medical support and proper shelter. That would help families face winter in safety and dignity.

Amnesty International has now published an in-depth investigation documenting how Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups committed war crimes and crimes against humanity during their assault on Israel on October 7th, 2023, and against hostages held in Gaza thereafter.

Shocked by reports of Israeli authorities entering @UNRWA’s compound in East Jerusalem. This appears to be a blatant disregard of Israel's obligations to protect and respect UN premises. UNRWA must be able to continue their essential work supporting millions of Palestinians.

One year ago, the Assad regime fell - a regime that committed awful atrocities.  The pace of change has been encouraging. We stand with all Syrians in ensuring a politically inclusive transition. My words in the @independent 👇 independent.co.uk/voices/syria-f…

Today in the early morning, Israeli police accompanied by municipal officials forcibly entered the @UNRWA compound in East Jerusalem. Police motorcycles, as well as trucks & forklifts, were brought in & all communications were cut. Furniture, IT equipment & other property was seized. The @UN flag was pulled down & replaced with an Israeli flag. This latest action represents a blatant disregard of Israel’s obligation as a United Nations Member State to protect & respect the inviolability of UN premises.  Following months of harassment that included arson attacks in 2024, hateful demonstrations & intimidation, supported by a large-scale disinformation campaign, as well as anti-UNRWA legislation passed by the Israeli parliament in breach of its international obligations, UNRWA personnel were forced to vacate the compound at the beginning of this year.   However, whatever action taken domestically, the compound retains its status as a UN premises, immune from any form of interference.   Israel is party to the Convention on the Privileges & Immunities of the UN. The Convention makes UN premises inviolable - in other words, immune from search and/or seizure - and makes UN property and assets immune from legal process.  The International Court of Justice has also underscored that Israel is obliged to cooperate with UNRWA & other UN agencies.   There can be no exceptions. To allow this represents a new challenge to international law, one that creates a dangerous precedent anywhere else the UN is present across the world.

One month since the Gaza ceasefire, we’re delivering on our 60-day plan. We’re saving lives but could save many more with better access, more safety and more funding.

Today we gather to remember all those who have died in service of our country. And to express gratitude to all those who have served and continue to serve our country. We will remember them.

Today the Prime Minister spoke to the House of Commons about the Gaza peace plan. Recent news is incredibly welcome. But this must be the start of a process which leads to peace, aid in Gaza, a two state solution and full accountability. I regularly hear from constituents about this issue and made clear these calls.