In order to securely provide humanitarian relief to people in Gaza who are in need of food, water, or medicine, Rishi Sunak has urged for pauses in the combat.
The British prime minister acknowledged that there needed to be a “safer environment” for humanitarian organizations to assist Palestinians, even if he specifically refrained from endorsing the idea of a complete ceasefire.
During a discussion on Middle East events, a Labour backbencher accused Israel of punishing civilians “collectively” for “crimes they did not commit.”
“The first and most important principle is that Israel has the right to defend itself under international law,” Sunak stated before the Commons on Wednesday.
He stated that the government wanted Hamas to guarantee humanitarian aid, free hostages, and assist British citizens in leaving Gaza.
During prime minister’s questions on Wednesday, Sunak stated, “We recognize that for all of that to happen, there has to be a safer environment, which of course necessitates specific pauses – as distinct from a ceasefire.” He stated that the UK had “discussed this with partners” at the UN on Tuesday night.
Reuters reports that Russia pushed for a total ceasefire at the UN, while the US has been advocating for shorter pauses in the combat, known as specific pauses.
Israel had been the victim of “a shockingly brutal” attack, according to Sunak, who also added that Hamas was “responsible for this conflict” and that the organization “cruelly embeds itself” among people.
The prime minister announced that an RAF plane carrying 21 tons of supplies for Gaza—including more than 75,000 medical kits, solar lights, and water filters—left the UK early on Wednesday morning for Egypt.
“We will continue to do everything in our power to increase the flow of aid into Gaza, including fuel,” he continued.
In his six questions at PMQs, Labour leader Keir Starmer chose to celebrate Labour’s victory in last week’s byelections and criticize Sunak on his first anniversary as prime minister, all without bringing up the issue.
Following the release of a social media graphic by the Tamworth candidate of the Conservative party, which appeared to be urging some families who were having trouble feeding their kids to “Fuck off,” Starmer suggested that Sunak hold a general election so that voters may “return the favor.”
Sunak emphasized that the government was trying to assist the most needy members of society rather than denouncing the comments made by his party’s byelection candidate.
Starmer, however, accused him of being “just patting himself on the back” and “completely oblivious,” blaming the Tories for the lack of new, affordable homes and growing expenses.
Others, such as Mhairi Black, the deputy leader of the SNP at Westminster, brought up the Israel-Hamas war. “If we ignore this, we risk pouring petrol on a fire in a place that only needs a spark to ignite,” she said, urging a ceasefire.
Labour frontbencher Yasmin Qureshi added that the lack of housing, food, and water for the inhabitants of Gaza amounted to “massacred” treatment. “The people of Palestine are being collectively punished in Gaza for crimes they did not commit.”
Sunak expressed his satisfaction with the political parties’ “unity” regarding Israel’s right to self-defense. “We mourn the loss of every innocent life—people of every faith and nationality,” he continued.
Furthermore, we are exerting every effort to provide as much humanitarian aid to Gaza as soon as it is practically feasible.
Subsequently, No. 10 declined to be drawn on the duration of combat breaks. The only statement issued by Sunak’s spokeswoman was that the government was aiming for “a resolution that delivers on the UK’s priorities” at the UN.
A representative for Starmer remained silent when asked if they agreed with Qureshi’s demand for an absolute ceasefire. They added that Labour supported the US’s stance of advocating for “humanitarian pauses.” They continued, saying, “It is obvious that we want to see more relief arrive and that captives be allowed to go. We want aid entering Gaza to arrive on a regular basis, quickly, and safely.