“As a longstanding supporter of a Palestinian state, I believe that Palestinian statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people”, states Gareth Thomas, MP for the Harrow West, the less divisive part of what feels like Harrow’s two political kingdoms.
“I welcome that the UK is on a pathway to recognise the State of Palestine in September, unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza, agrees to a ceasefire, and commits to a long-term, sustainable peace, including allowing the UN to restart the supply of aid and making clear there will be no annexations in the West Bank”, he said.
He writes that like so many people in Harrow, he is “deeply horrified by the near-daily reports of Israeli attacks on civilians – including women and children – attempting to access food, water, and healthcare. I utterly condemn the killing of civilians trying to meet their most basic needs”.
He supports additional UK measures to alleviate the humanitarian situation, including air drops of humanitarian supplies alongside Jordan, and evacuating children from Gaza and into British hospitals.
Regarding the permanent forced displacement, Mr Thomas said it “violates international humanitarian law and must never be permitted”.
“Proposals to force the entire population of Gaza into Rafah, effectively imprisoning them, represent a cruel and unacceptable vision. I condemn these plans unequivocally”.
He also supports sanctions “against violent settlers, the suspension of trade negotiations with the Israeli Government, and the sanctioning of far-right Israeli ministers who have incited violence”.
He concluded: “The suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths. I will continue to support efforts to work with our international partners to address the catastrophic situation in Gaza, for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, for the immediate release of hostages, and for a surge of aid to Gazans in desperate need”.
“I welcome that the UK is on a pathway to recognise the State of Palestine in September, unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza, agrees to a ceasefire, and commits to a long-term, sustainable peace, including allowing the UN to restart the supply of aid and making clear there will be no annexations in the West Bank”, he said.
He writes that like so many people in Harrow, he is “deeply horrified by the near-daily reports of Israeli attacks on civilians – including women and children – attempting to access food, water, and healthcare. I utterly condemn the killing of civilians trying to meet their most basic needs”.
He supports additional UK measures to alleviate the humanitarian situation, including air drops of humanitarian supplies alongside Jordan, and evacuating children from Gaza and into British hospitals.
Regarding the permanent forced displacement, Mr Thomas said it “violates international humanitarian law and must never be permitted”.
“Proposals to force the entire population of Gaza into Rafah, effectively imprisoning them, represent a cruel and unacceptable vision. I condemn these plans unequivocally”.
He also supports sanctions “against violent settlers, the suspension of trade negotiations with the Israeli Government, and the sanctioning of far-right Israeli ministers who have incited violence”.
He concluded: “The suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths. I will continue to support efforts to work with our international partners to address the catastrophic situation in Gaza, for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, for the immediate release of hostages, and for a surge of aid to Gazans in desperate need”.
Harrow Monitoring Group 