Labour Friends of Palestine & the Middle East

🌹🤝🇵🇸 Campaigning for Palestinian human rights, upholding international law, and a two-state solution. RT≠endorsement

[Melanie Ward MP @melanie_ward]

We are deeply concerned at the vast rise in violent Israeli settler attacks on Palestinians, and at settlement expansion, which forces Palestinians off their land.

The Israeli government itself is clear this is designed to prevent a 2 state solution ever being realised.

(2/2)

[Melanie Ward MP @melanie_ward]

Together with almost 140 fellow Labour MPs, I have written to the Foreign Secretary to call for a ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements. Our group includes every Labour select committee chair.

It’s time to be clear that settlements have no viable economic future

(1/2)

[UK at the UN 🇬🇧🇺🇳 @UKUN_NewYork]

Israel’s military escalation in Lebanon has displaced civilians, destroyed infrastructure, and eroded space for diplomacy. It must end.

Hizballah must end attacks on Israel and disarm.

All parties must support negotiations towards a lasting political settlement.

[Yvette Cooper @YvetteCooperMP]

Israel's military escalation in Lebanon has killed and displaced civilians, destroyed infrastructure, and eroded space for diplomacy. It must end.

Hizballah must end attacks on Israel and disarm.

All sides must respect the ceasefire and engage with negotiations in good faith.

[Hamish Falconer MP @HFalconerMP]

Continued escalation in Lebanon is undermining diplomatic efforts and having an unacceptable impact on civilians. Israel's expansion of the conflict must stop.

Hizballah must end attacks on Israel and disarm. All sides should uphold the ceasefire and continue US-led talks.

[Labour Friends of Palestine & the Middle East @LFPME]

Words of condemnation have so far done little to deter ongoing violations.

We must now act to pressure Israeli authorities to adhere by the terms of the ceasefire, protect intl law, increase aid and humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, and uphold accountability.

[Labour Friends of Palestine & the Middle East @LFPME]

Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, and those across the UK from the Jewish community who are understandably feeling fearful.

[Labour Friends of Palestine & the Middle East @LFPME]

LFPME are deeply saddened to see another violent attack targeting the Jewish community in London.

Antisemitism should have no place in the UK and these latest attacks are abhorrent.

[Labour Friends of Palestine & the Middle East @LFPME]

Full statement:

[Labour Friends of Palestine & the Middle East @LFPME]

LFPME is deeply concerned that the FCDO is closing the international humanitarian law (IHL) cell. The cell did essential work establishing the UK government’s obligations under IHL and tracked breaches in Gaza and Lebanon. (1/5) 🧵

[Labour Friends of Palestine & the Middle East @LFPME]

Alongside cuts to international aid announced last year, the sudden closure of this unit risks further limiting the UK’s position and contribution to the world stage, and undermines our ability to react quickly and compliantly to breaches of IHL in the Middle East. (5/5)

[Labour Friends of Palestine & the Middle East @LFPME]

This 10 day ceasefire must pave the way to further talks and peaceful negotiation. We must continue to support the structures of international law and call for accountability of violations. No Palestinian, Lebanese or Israeli citizen is made safer by violent escalation. (4/5)

[Labour Friends of Palestine & the Middle East @LFPME]

LFPME welcomes the ceasefire agreed between Israel and Lebanon yesterday. We ask the international community to use every diplomatic channel to hold all parties to this agreement. (1/5)

[Labour Friends of Palestine & the Middle East @LFPME]

The £5m in humanitarian relief provided by the UK government to Lebanon is welcome, and it must continue to make it clear to the Israeli government that violence targeting civilian infrastructure is completely unacceptable and in breach of international humanitarian law. (3/5)

[Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office @FCDOGovUK]

Direct negotiations can pave the way to bring lasting security for Lebanon and Israel.

With international partners, the UK calls for the inclusion of Lebanon in regional de-escalation efforts.

All parties must work together for a lasting solution.

https://t.co/A9l42WZeJx

[Keir Starmer @Keir_Starmer]

The two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran today is welcomed by the UK and our allies.

The goal now must be a lasting end to the war.

Alongside our international partners, the UK will work to ensure a return to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.