This petition was submitted during the 2019-2024 parliament
Petition Urge the Israel Government to allow fuel, electricity and food into Gaza
The UK Government should urge the Israeli Government to stop the blockade of Food, Fuel and Electricity to the already impoverished city of Gaza
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The people of Gaza are innocent and caught up in a war they did not choose to be collateral to.
This petition is closed This petition ran for 6 months
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Parliament debated this topic
Government responded
This response was given on 10 November 2023
The UK continues to urge all sides to adhere to international humanitarian law, and to call for immediate, unimpeded and safe humanitarian access for lifesaving aid to reach civilians.
Read the response in full
Israel has suffered the worst terror attack in its history, and Palestinian civilians in Gaza are experiencing a devastating humanitarian crisis. We need a collective effort to get aid into Gaza as fast as possible - including food, water, fuel and medical supplies - by as many routes as possible. We have pressed Israel to ensure its campaign is targeted against Hamas leaders and military infrastructure; to allow aid to enter Gaza; to end settler violence; and to work with the UN and ICRC to improve the humanitarian situation.
The UK has contributed another £30m of aid for Gaza, prepositioning supplies in Egypt. Three UK flights carrying a total of 51 tonnes of aid have landed in Egypt (on 25 October, 2 November and 3 November). The shipments have included lifesaving items such as wound care packs, water filters and solar powered lights as well as vital equipment including forklift trucks, belt conveyors and lighting towers, specifically requested by UK partners in the region to manage and deliver the aid more effectively. This is in addition to the 21 tonnes of essential supplies, such as wound care packs, water filters and solar powered lights delivered on 25 October.
But this is still not enough to meet the immediate needs of the population. Delivering a humanitarian pause is an urgent priority given the worsening situation on the ground. We will support humanitarian pauses where they help aid to enter and we are urgently exploring all diplomatic options and all practical routes, working with the UN and all other partners. We are also urging Israel to open other border crossings, such as Kerem Shalom, to enable more humanitarian aid to reach civilians in need.
We are aware of Israel’s concerns about the stockpiling of fuel by Hamas terrorists. But that doesn’t negate the need for fuel to urgently get to those who do need it in Gaza – including at hospitals. We are working with the UN to ensure that safeguards and robust processes are in place to ensure fuel is only used for humanitarian and civilian purposes.
Hamas does not speak for or act in the interests of the Palestinian people; Palestinian civilians should not suffer the consequences of Hamas’ inhumanity and brutality. It is vital that all parties ensure their actions are proportionate, necessary and minimise harm to civilians.
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.
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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.
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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.
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