As I am sure my constituents will appreciate, I have been contacted by a large number of people on this and I note calls for the UK to push for a ceasefire.
I know that this is an unimaginably difficult time for people in Israel and Gaza and I can assure you that I want to see an end to violence in the region. The loss of every innocent life is a tragedy, and while acknowledging that Hamas has enmeshed itself amidst the civilian population of Gaza, the UK Government has called on and will continue to call on Israel to take every possible precaution to avoid harming civilians.
Sadly, the reality is that Hamas have no interest in a ceasefire. Indeed, Hamas have reiterated their intentions, stating clearly that "we will repeat the October 7 attack time and time again until Israel are annihilated".
The UK is working via all diplomatic channels—bilaterally and collectively in the region—to ensure that this conflict, which has cost so many lives already, can be brought to a halt.
