“The Israeli Govt’s plans have been described by a leading human rights lawyer, Michael Sfard, as “an operational plan for crimes against humanity. It’s about population transfer to the southern tip of Gaza in preparation for deportation outside the strip.”
Though an accurate description, we believe there is a clearer one.
The ethnic cleansing of Gaza.”
As a co-chair of Labour Friends of Palestine & the Middle East, I have written to the Foreign Secretary on this and the need for the recognition of Palestine. More recent killings of Palestinians, including mothers and children, by the IDF need to be investigated and held to account.
This is not the final list of signatures. Many other MPs have sent this letter privately and directly to the Foreign Sec. LFPME are united on our calls for action and condemnation of the atrocities occurring in the Middle East.
The UK must recognise the state of Palestine.
Only a ceasefire, release of hostages, unrestricted aid, serious diplomatic negotiation and accountability can bring an end to this conflict, and recognition is a crucial first part of that.
It was good to speak with Radio 4 on the 75 MPs and Peers who are urging the government to act now through @lfpme_
Last night we held our LFPME Reception in Parliament. We were delighted to welcome new and returning Labour MPs, Peers, NGOs and diplomatic representatives from across the Middle East. Special thanks to all of our guest speakers, Lord Dubs, Ambassador Husam Zomlot, Sadiq Khan, Kim Leadbeater, and the new Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer
Labour's new Foreign Secretary @david.lammy using one of his first interventions to speak about Gaza, including:
👉Immediate ceasefire
👉Release of hostages
👉Unfettered aid
👉Two state solution
LFPME has called for these since October and welcomes them now being UK Govt policy
