The recent developments in Gaza mark a significant moment. The surviving hostages have been released, the bombardment on Gaza has ceased, and aid has begun to reach those in desperate need, although the situation is fragile.

After two years of devastation, this is a moment of cautious relief, which I know constituents will welcome after watching the events of the last two years with horror.

The peace plan led by President Trump, supported by the UK Labour Government and many of our international partners, presents an opportunity to bring this terrible chapter to a close, but what happens next will be crucial to ensuring that this moment of peace is sustained.

We have worked tirelessly behind the scenes with the US, Arab nations, and European allies to help deliver a ceasefire, secure the release of hostages, and begin the flow of humanitarian aid. I am very relieved that those aims have been achieved. We now must change our focus to implementing the 20-point peace plan in full.

As I have said in my previous statements, the human cost of this conflict has been staggering and appalling. Thousands of lives have been lost, including over 20,000 children. Families in Gaza and Israel have endured unimaginable suffering. Whilst the release of surviving hostages is welcome, we continue to call for the immediate return of the deceased hostages so their families can properly grieve and lay them to rest. My thoughts are also with the people of Gaza, so many of whom have lost countless family members and with constituents who have lost relatives in Gaza.

As part of ongoing financial support, the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has announced that the UK Labour Government has committed an additional £20 million in humanitarian support for Gaza, delivered through UNICEF, the World Food Programme, and the Norwegian Refugee Council. This is part of a broader £116 million aid package for the Palestinian people this year, including £74 million already allocated for life-saving assistance.

As we look ahead, the Prime Minister has announced that the UK Labour Government will focus its efforts in three key areas:

• Supporting the reconstruction of Gaza: Given the sheer scale of the destruction in Gaza, we will convene a three-day conference on how best to aid reconstruction and recovery efforts.
• Assisting transitional governance arrangements: We will continue to work closely with the Palestinian Authority on vital reforms to ensure lasting stability in the region.
• Contributing to security: Through an international stabilisation force, we will help ensure that peace is maintained and that communities can begin to rebuild safely.

We are very clear on one specific point: there can be no lasting peace or security if Hamas retains the capacity to threaten violence. Decommissioning its weapons is an essential component in this pursuit of peace.

As we committed to in our election manifesto, we, as a UK Labour government remain committed to a two-state solution, as demonstrated by the historic decision taken, alongside our international partners, to recognise the State of Palestine at the UN in the historic declaration, just last month.

As we have consistently stated, a two-state solution is the only path to ensure a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable Palestinian State.

This is not a moment to rest on our laurels; this is a moment that demands sustained international cooperation and focus to ensure that peace prevails in the region. Rest assured; the UK Labour Government will continue to play its part.