Calling for Peace in Israel and Gaza

On 17th July 2024, I joined fellow Members of Parliament in supporting an Early Day Motion (EDM) addressing the urgent need for peace in Israel and Gaza. This motion reflects our collective devastation at the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.

The Importance of EDM 62324: Peace in Israel and Gaza

The situation in Gaza is a humanitarian catastrophe that demands immediate attention and action. With tens of thousands of innocent Palestinians killed, millions displaced, and countless homes destroyed, the scale of suffering is immense. As representatives of the people, we have a moral obligation to address these issues and work towards a peaceful resolution.

Sponsoring this EDM is a way to amplify the call for urgent intervention and to push for meaningful change. It is vital that we, as a nation, stand up against the ongoing violence and support measures that will bring about lasting peace and stability. The Liberal Democrats have been calling for months that we need to see an immediate bilateral ceasefire, to put an end to the devastation in Gaza, get the hostages home, and provide space to secure a two-state solution.

Key Points of the EDM:

1. Humanitarian Disaster in Gaza:
   • The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is severe, with a significant loss of life and widespread displacement. Immediate international attention and aid are crucial.
2. Hostage Release:
   • We urge Hamas to unconditionally and immediately release the hostages taken following the deplorable attacks on 7th October 2023.
3. Illegal Settler Violence:
   • There has been unacceptable illegal settler violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, unchecked by the Israeli Government.
   • We welcome any sanctions by the Government against extremist Israeli settlers who have committed human rights abuses against Palestinian communities in the West Bank.
4. Government Actions:
   • The EDM calls on the Government to sanction all violent settlers and their connected entities.
   • It emphasises the need for the Government to uphold international law and the judgments of international courts under all circumstances.
5. Two-State Solution:
   • The only path to regional security is a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, with Hamas not in power.
   • The EDM condemns Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s repeated assertions that there is no future for a Palestinian state.
   • It urges the Government to immediately recognise the state of Palestine.
6. Call for Ceasefire:
   • We urge the Government to call for an immediate bilateral ceasefire in Gaza.
   • This ceasefire would allow an end to the humanitarian devastation, secure the release of hostages, and provide an opportunity for a political process leading to a two-state solution.

Why I am Sponsoring this EDM:

As the newly elected Member of Parliament for Newbury, it is my duty to address serious and persistent issues affecting both our local community and the international community. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is not just a distant tragedy but a pressing global concern that demands our attention and action.

During my campaign, I listened to local residents who shared my concerns about the situation in Gaza. They urged me to act on this critical issue, and I promised to do so. Sponsoring this EDM is a fulfilment of that promise and a reflection of my commitment to the values and concerns of our community.

By sponsoring this EDM, I aim to:

• Raise Awareness: Bring the issue to the forefront of parliamentary and public discussion.
• Promote Accountability: Hold parties accountable for their actions and ensure that international laws are upheld.
• Advocate for Peace: Push for a sustainable and just peace that ensures security and dignity for all people in Palestine and Israel.

Next Steps:

• Advocacy and Diplomacy: We will continue to advocate for a bilateral ceasefire and the recognition of the state of Palestine. Diplomatic efforts are essential to bring about a sustainable and just peace.
• International Cooperation: We will endeavour to work with international partners to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in need and that international laws are upheld.
• Community Engagement: We encourage community leaders and members to voice their support for peace initiatives and to promote understanding and reconciliation.

This EDM is a step towards a peaceful resolution and a better future for both Palestinians and Israelis. We must continue to push for actions that uphold human rights, promote justice, and ensure lasting peace in the region.

For more information, you can read the full text of EDM 62324 here.