Oral Answers to Questions

Gill Furniss Excerpts

Tuesday 24th June 2025 Commons Chamber

[Dr Simon Opher (Stroud) (Lab)]

1. What steps he is taking to support the provision of medical aid in Gaza.

[Gill Furniss (Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough) (Lab)]

6. What steps he is taking to help improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

[Laura Kyrke-Smith (Aylesbury) (Lab)]

19. What steps he is taking to help ensure that humanitarian aid is delivered to Gaza.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Falconer]

I can confirm that I have raised these issues with my Israeli counterpart. It is appalling that hundreds of healthcare workers have reportedly been killed since the start of the conflict. We continue to urge the Israeli authorities to ensure that incidents are investigated transparently and that those responsible are held to account and lessons learned. Healthcare workers, premises and facilities must be protected, allowing medical staff to do their work.

[Gill Furniss]

More than 450 Palestinians have been killed in recent weeks as Israeli forces have opened fire on those attempting to collect aid from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. The people of Gaza not only face daily risks from bombs and bullets, but the ever-present danger of man-made drought and famine. Will the Government commit to using all resources at their disposal, including further sanctions and an arms embargo to ensure that aid is delivered to Gaza under the auspices of the UN and other suitably qualified bodies?

[Mr Falconer]

The killing of civilians at aid distribution centres in Gaza is horrifying. Israel must fulfil its obligations under international law to ensure unhindered humanitarian assistance. I will not speculate about future sanctions or arms embargoes, but we continue to engage with our partners and will not hesitate to take further action if the Government of Israel do not change course.