This petition was submitted during the 2019-2024 parliament
Petition Remain neutral in Israel-Palestine conflict and withdraw support for Israel
We want the UK to be neutral in the conflict between Israel and Palestine, and withdraw offers of support for Israel.
More details
We don’t want UK to spend tax payer money to support Israel.
Israel has been found to systematically violate international law through illegal occupation of Palestinian land. Meanwhile Hamas has been proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the UK Government.
The Government is taking Israel's side but we don't want the UK to take a side in this conflict.
This petition is closed This petition ran for 6 months
Parliament debated this topic
This topic was debated on 11 December 2023
Government responded
This response was given on 6 November 2023
The UK supports Israel’s right to self-defence in line with international humanitarian law. We will continue to lead and support efforts towards a two state solution between Israel and the PA.
On 7 October Hamas terrorists brutally murdered over 1400 people. They raped, maimed, and took the lives of ordinary civilians. Their attack began on that day and hasn’t stopped since, with Hamas continuing to fire thousands of rockets at Israel. We have a proud history of standing with states against terrorism, of which this is a part.
We support Israel’s legitimate right to defend itself and take action against terrorism, and we continue to urge all sides to adhere to international humanitarian law. We continue to urge Israel to ensure its campaign is targeted against Hamas leaders and military infrastructure. It’s vital that all parties ensure their actions are proportionate, necessary and minimise harm to civilians. In all their engagements with Israeli counterparts, UK Government Ministers – including the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary – have pressed this point.
Hamas does not speak for or act in the interests of the Palestinian people. Hamas deliberately murdered and kidnapped innocent people in Israel and now callously puts civilians in Gaza at risk. At least 12 British nationals were tragically killed in the terrorist attacks by Hamas. Several others are feared dead or kidnapped by Hamas.
As the Prime Minister said, we stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people, who are also victims of Hamas. Since Hamas’ terrorist attack against Israel on 7 October the UK has committed £30 million in additional aid to the Occupied Palestinian Territories – more than doubling our existing aid commitment for this year. This will allow trusted partners to provide essential relief items and services such as food, water and shelter.
The UK has strong bilateral relationships with both Israel and the Palestinian Authority. What we want to see is both Israelis and Palestinians safe and secure, not living under the constant threat of terrorism, in peaceful proximity. We continue to work with international partners to lead and support efforts towards a two-state solution that allows both Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and dignity.
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Related activity
MPs discuss the situation in Israel and Palestine
In the last two weeks, MPs have been regularly discussing the situation in Israel and Palestine. You can find details of relevant discussions in the House of Commons, and how to keep up to date on future business, below.
On Monday 16 October, the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak MP, made a statement in the House of Commons about Israel and Gaza.
On Wednesday 18 October the Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly MP, answered an urgent question about the explosion at the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza.
On Monday 23 October, the Prime Minister made a further statement in the House of Commons about Israel and Gaza.
What are Ministerial statements?
Ministerial statements are a way for Ministers to bring an important matter to the attention of the House.
What are Urgent Questions?
If an urgent or important matter arises which an MP believes requires an immediate answer from a government minister, they may apply to ask an urgent question.
The relevant Government Minister has to come to the Chamber to explain what the Government is doing on the issue raised. The Minister will then usually take questions on the subject from MPs.
Keep up to date
You can find out about upcoming business in the House of Commons, including future discussions about the situation in Israel and Palestine, using Parliament's 'What's on' page.
Find out more about the situation in Israel and Palestine
The House of Commons has published a briefing on UK and international response to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The House of Commons has also published a reading list that provides links to Commons Library papers, Committee reports, parliamentary material and UK Government press releases related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict during the current parliament. It also includes material on issues related to the current conflict, such as Iran’s influence in the Middle East and Hezbollah’s position in Lebanon. This paper will be updated regularly.
Get involved in the work of the UK Parliament
Sign up to the Your UK Parliament newsletter for the latest information on how to get involved and make a difference.
MPs investigate the UK’s engagement with the Middle East and North Africa
A group of MPs called the Foreign Affairs Committee are looking into the UK’s engagement with the Middle East and North Africa.
The Committee is considering issues including:
The medium and long-term challenges facing the countries of the Middle East and North Africa
The main countries in which the UK should focus its efforts within the region
The conflict between Israel and Palestine and what can be done to engage all parties in seeking a peaceful resolution
How the UK should respond to the growing engagement of major powers like Russia, China, Turkey and India in the region.
The investigation was launched in July, but following recent events the Committee has confirmed that it is likely to look at viability of a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, and how the UK might be able to help resolve the conflict peacefully.
Read the Committee's press notice announcing this work for more information.
What happens next?
The Committee is going to conduct oral evidence sessions where they will hear from experts in the field, such as former ambassadors to the region, diplomats, academics, NGOs and charities.
The Committee will then consider all the evidence it has taken and publish a report of its findings with recommendations to the Government.
For more information about the inquiry, visit the Committee's inquiry page.
What is the Foreign Affairs Committee?
The Foreign Affairs Committee is a cross-party group of MPs that looks into the work of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and other associated public bodies, such as the British Council.
The Foreign Affairs Committee is a select committee.
Get involved in the work of the UK Parliament
Sign up to the Your UK Parliament newsletter for the latest information on how to get involved and make a difference.
Israel and Gaza: Prime Minister questioned by Petitions Committee Chair
The Prime Minister appeared before the Liaison Committee on Tuesday 26 March. The Chair of the Petitions Committee, Cat Smith MP, questioned the Prime Minister on a number of issues relating to the situation in Israel and Gaza, including:
- implementation of a ceasefire
- licences for UK arms exports to Israel
- delivery of aid to Gaza
For more information:
- Watch the Liaison Committee session (questions from Cat Smith MP start at 13:56:16)
- Read the transcript of the Liaison Committee (questions from Cat Smith MP start at Q46)
What is the Liaison Committee?
The Liaison Committee is made up of [Select Committee][6] Chairs. It considers the overall work of select committees, promotes the questioning of the Government and chooses committee reports for debates. It questions the Prime Minister about policy, usually three times a year.
Get involved in the work of the UK Parliament
Sign up to the UK Parliament newsletter for the latest information on how to get involved and make a difference