While political and media attention has increasingly been diverted from the plight of Palestinians by a series of domestic incidents and wider regional tensions, Labour MP Gareth Thomas has warned against the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza being sidelined, calling in Parliament for “fresh and sustained UK action” as civilians continue to face “catastrophic” conditions across Gaza and the wider Middle East.
Speaking in Parliament last week, Mr Thomas said the humanitarian situation in Gaza remained dire, citing UN data showing that every child under five is undernourished, almost every school has been damaged or destroyed, and 96% of households do not have access to safe drinking water.
“Despite some progress since the ceasefire, the flow of humanitarian aid remains far below what is needed, with many families facing severe food insecurity,” he said. “It is critical that we build momentum to sustain the fragile ceasefire and deliver long-term peace and security for both Palestinians and Israelis.”
Mr Thomas also raised concerns about the wider regional impact of the conflict, including in Lebanon and amid rising tensions involving Iran, describing reports of civilian casualties and the deaths of children as “profoundly distressing”.
He backed continued diplomatic efforts to avoid further escalation in the region and said the UK had “rightly made clear” it does not support a wider conflict or participate in offensive military action against Iran.
The MP said he remained “firmly committed to international law and the protection of civilians”, adding that “any attack on healthcare workers or medical infrastructure is completely unacceptable”.
Mr Thomas also expressed concern over reports of mistreatment of detainees in Israel and said allegations “must be fully investigated”. He reiterated his support for the Red Cross being granted immediate access to detention facilities.
He confirmed he had written directly to the Foreign Secretary opposing any expansion of the death penalty in Israel and voiced continued support for the independence of international courts, including the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice.
Mr Thomas said he had voted in Parliament for the UK to recognise Palestinian statehood and backed sanctions against individuals responsible for extremist rhetoric and violence against Palestinians.
Calling for a renewed push towards a two-state solution, he said it remained “the only credible path towards a just and lasting peace for both Israelis and Palestinians”.
In Parliament, Mr Thomas called for full humanitarian access for the UN and aid organisations, stronger measures to prevent goods entering the UK from illegal settlements, continued pressure to end settler violence and settlement expansion in the West Bank, and stronger action in the UK to tackle antisemitism and Islamophobia.
“At a time of immense suffering and rising tensions, we must continue to stand for peace, dignity, and accountability,” he said.
Speaking in Parliament last week, Mr Thomas said the humanitarian situation in Gaza remained dire, citing UN data showing that every child under five is undernourished, almost every school has been damaged or destroyed, and 96% of households do not have access to safe drinking water.
“Despite some progress since the ceasefire, the flow of humanitarian aid remains far below what is needed, with many families facing severe food insecurity,” he said. “It is critical that we build momentum to sustain the fragile ceasefire and deliver long-term peace and security for both Palestinians and Israelis.”
Mr Thomas also raised concerns about the wider regional impact of the conflict, including in Lebanon and amid rising tensions involving Iran, describing reports of civilian casualties and the deaths of children as “profoundly distressing”.
He backed continued diplomatic efforts to avoid further escalation in the region and said the UK had “rightly made clear” it does not support a wider conflict or participate in offensive military action against Iran.
The MP said he remained “firmly committed to international law and the protection of civilians”, adding that “any attack on healthcare workers or medical infrastructure is completely unacceptable”.
Mr Thomas also expressed concern over reports of mistreatment of detainees in Israel and said allegations “must be fully investigated”. He reiterated his support for the Red Cross being granted immediate access to detention facilities.
He confirmed he had written directly to the Foreign Secretary opposing any expansion of the death penalty in Israel and voiced continued support for the independence of international courts, including the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice.
Mr Thomas said he had voted in Parliament for the UK to recognise Palestinian statehood and backed sanctions against individuals responsible for extremist rhetoric and violence against Palestinians.
Calling for a renewed push towards a two-state solution, he said it remained “the only credible path towards a just and lasting peace for both Israelis and Palestinians”.
In Parliament, Mr Thomas called for full humanitarian access for the UN and aid organisations, stronger measures to prevent goods entering the UK from illegal settlements, continued pressure to end settler violence and settlement expansion in the West Bank, and stronger action in the UK to tackle antisemitism and Islamophobia.
“At a time of immense suffering and rising tensions, we must continue to stand for peace, dignity, and accountability,” he said.
Harrow Monitoring Group 