Gaza: Humanitarian Situation

Layla Moran Excerpts

Thursday 12th November 2026 Commons Chamber

[Stephen Doughty]

First, I offer my condolences and those of the Government on the death of my hon. Friend’s constituent. It was an absolutely appalling attack. I know Krakow well as a city, and I have sat in that square myself. It was an appalling scene. We are working closely with the Polish authorities on the case, as well as providing the appropriate consular support to the family in what is a deeply distressing and appalling time. My thoughts are with them.

My hon. Friend is absolutely right to praise my hon. Friend the Member for Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy (Melanie Ward) for her past work and advocacy on those issues before joining the Government. It is crucial that we listen to the actual experiences of those who have seen the reality on the ground in Gaza, as well as organisations and others. That is exactly what the Foreign Secretary and I have been doing, and I will listen to what they have to say about the reality of what is happening and respond accordingly.

[Layla Moran (Oxford West and Abingdon) (LD)]

Would the Minister agree that the Palestinian-majority parties, which have scored a record number of seats in the most recent Israeli elections and have now said that, despite profound differences, they will give Eisenkot support in trying to find a new Government, so that there might be a change of policy in the Israeli Government, show us all what extraordinary grace is needed if we are to find a lasting and inclusive peace in the region? I have to say, it is a grace that seems to be totally missing from the Conservative Front Bench today. Will the Minister also give us an update on the latest with the so-called board of peace, which was meant to be brokering the aid into Gaza, but seems to be totally missing from the conversation?

[Stephen Doughty]

On the Israeli elections, obviously the formation of any future Government is a matter for the parties and people in Israel and for their system of government. We will of course work and engage with any Government formed, and our asks of that Government and demands in relation to the situation will be same: get the aid in; support the two-state solution; stop the illegal settlement expansion; and stop the violence and settler terrorism that we have seen. Our message will be very clear whoever is in power and we will engage accordingly.

The hon. Lady talked about the board of peace, which does important work. We are not a member of the board of peace, but when I was in Egypt a few weeks ago, I met with the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, which is the body that has been set up to look at the administration of Gaza going forward. The House will note the comments of the board of peace in relation to the current situation in Gaza, and the condemnation and criticism that has come from all parts. That shows the scale of the challenge, and that the Israeli Government need to respond.