Occupied Palestinian Territories: Humanitarian Situation Debate

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Department: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Occupied Palestinian Territories: Humanitarian Situation

Alison Thewliss Excerpts
Wednesday 8th November 2023

(6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Andrew Mitchell Portrait Mr Mitchell
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While the hon. Lady is eloquent on the effects, she is not so eloquent, in my opinion, on the causes. In respect of the amendment that she has tabled, of course that is a matter for the House, but it will not be supported by the Government, nor by those on her own Front Bench.

Alison Thewliss Portrait Alison Thewliss (Glasgow Central) (SNP)
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Almost 1,200 constituents have been in touch with my office demanding a ceasefire now. Oxfam has said that humanitarian pauses and safe zones are simply not enough to address this humanitarian crisis, and it is far from alone in saying so. Can the Minister explain to my constituents and to Oxfam why he will not support a ceasefire?

Andrew Mitchell Portrait Mr Mitchell
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I will not try your patience, Mr Deputy Speaker, by repeating what I have already said. The hon. Lady says that pauses are not enough, but there have not yet been any pauses. That is why we are working so hard to try to achieve them.