Labour continues to call for a cessation of hostilities in Gaza to give the space and time to alleviate the suffering of Palestinian civilians by getting food, water, electricity, medicine, and fuel into Gaza and to release of all remaining hostages.

However, Israel continues to carry out its military operation, so it is absolutely crucial that whilst pushing for this further cessation, the UK and partners are clear that military action must meet clear conditions that adhere to international and humanitarian law.

Labour has been clear, Israel must not besiege or blockade Gaza, it must comply with international law and protect innocent lives. It must not replicate the kind of devastating tactics it used in the north.

Civilian infrastructure like schools and hospitals must be protected and ensure attempts to address the humanitarian catastrophe must be ramped up and not hindered.
Labour shares the concern and frustration of international partners, including the US, that these conditions are not being met.

Despite the demands of the international community made of Israel, aid isn’t getting through in the volume needed and large number of civilians are still being killed. Hamas continues to hold hostages. This situation is unacceptable.

There remains an urgent need for action to relieve the suffering on the ground. The humanitarian situation continues to grow bleaker by the day, citizens asked to flee have nowhere to go to, families have been displaced multiple times and are living in appalling conditions in tents and overcrowded makeshift shelters. A second crossing needs to be opened for humanitarian access.

We need a return to the truce to protect civilians, prevent displacement, ensure humanitarian access, and for the release of hostages.

The international community can and must use the next cessation to make political progress towards what we all want an end to conflict and a permanent ceasefire.

That means creating the conditions where Israel is secure from another attack like October 7 and Palestinians can achieve statehood and the reconstruction and renewal of Gaza.

The Labour Party will work alongside international partners to recognise the state of Palestine alongside the state of Israel, as part of efforts to contribute to securing a negotiated two state solution.

The Palestinian claim to statehood is not in the gift of a neighbour. It is an inalienable right of the Palestinian people and the clear logic of any call for a two-state solution.