The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached an appalling new level. The confirmation of famine in Gaza City and surrounding areas is a devastating indictment of the Israeli Government’s failure to allow sufficient aid into the territory. This is not a natural disaster; it is a man-made catastrophe, and it is wholly preventable.

As I have previously stated, civilians, healthcare workers, and journalists must be protected. The attack on Nasser Hospital was disgraceful. The killing of five journalists by Israeli forces is a chilling reminder of the dangers faced by those trying to report the truth from the front line.

The Israeli Government’s decision to approve settlement construction in the E1 area east of Jerusalem is equally unacceptable. It not only undermines the feasibility of a two-state solution, but is a clear and grave violation of international law. As Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, and our international partners have made crystal clear, this plan must be reversed immediately and without hesitation.

We are unequivocal: there must be an immediate and permanent ceasefire. Aid must be allowed to flow freely and safely. Hostages must be released. And Hamas must disarm and leave Gaza. These are not negotiable; they are the foundations for any credible path to peace.

The Prime Minister has rightly condemned the escalation and reaffirmed our government’s commitment to a long-term peace plan rooted in a two-state solution. The recognition of the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September remains a vital step towards this goal.

We have also been explicit about Gaza’s future. Hamas cannot govern, but equally, Gaza cannot be subjected to an unsustainable and prolonged military occupation either. The return of a reformed Palestinian Authority, supported by robust international security arrangements, is essential to securing long-term peace in the region.

Diplomacy by its very nature is difficult, but it is the only way forward. Our government continues to act through tough sanctions, the provision of aid, and diplomatic pressure to bring both parties back to the negotiating table.

This UK Labour Government is clear. The suffering must end. The killing must stop. And the work towards peace rooted in a two-state solution must continue.