'In this dark hour there must be zero tolerance to any intimidation'

MP for Ellesmere Port

A GOOD number of my constituents have contacted me to say they are hugely worried about the dire situation in the Middle East.

I start by stating that I and my Labour colleagues in Parliament utterly condemn Hamas’s appalling and ongoing attacks on Israel.

Hundreds of lives have been lost in both Israel and Gaza already and there can never be a justification for terrorism. It is heart-breaking to see so many civilians affected.

At the time of writing this column, we wanted to see all hostages released immediately but in the event they were not, we support Israel’s right to defend itself, rescue hostages and protect its civilians. However, all leaders must act in line with international law. That means there must be humanitarian access to Gaza and continued supplies of food, water, electricity and medicines. It is also vital that there are safe humanitarian corridors in Gaza which are respected by all sides, as both the United States and the European Union have stated.

We must have at the forefront of our mind the guiding principle that in whatever steps Israel takes to protect itself and rescue the hostages they should not allow civilians to suffer. Both Israelis and Palestinians are already suffering terribly which have set back the cause of peace possibly for a generation.Importantly, though we must never conflate Hamas and their actions with the Palestinian people.

We are, of course, deeply saddened and concerned that 17 British citizens are feared dead or missing following the attacks. We have pressed the Government to set out a clear plan to ensure the safe return of British nationals in Israel. We welcome that rescue flights are being chartered and will work with the Government in this regard.

In this dark hour there must be zero tolerance to any intimidation and harassment directed towards Jewish communities in Britain. Demonstrations in support of citizens of Israel and Palestine are permitted in our country, but the actions of those taking part must be proportionate and within the law. It should never be the case that UK residents should feel threatened because they happen to be of a particular faith. Temperate language is of the greatest importance at times like these and it is of great concern that reports are emerging that children feel they cannot safely attend their school because their identity makes them a target.

As difficult as it may seem in these dark days, Labour remains committed to the concept of a two-State Israel and Palestine solution as the only means to achieve peace after decades of conflict in the Middle East.