Many of you have written to me over the last few days about the horrifying situation in Gaza. I share your outrage at what’s happening and am clear that the Israeli government is responsible for its disproportionate, inhumane and counterproductive military action.

The time has come for the government to go further in responding to the Israeli government’s actions and creating a pathway to peace. I have written today to the Rt Hon David Lammy MP, Foreign Secretary, to urge him to take steps including the immediate recognition of a Palestinian state.

You can read my full letter below.

Dear David,

Along with many of my constituents, I am appalled by the deepening horror of the situation in Gaza in recent days. The Israeli government is exacerbating an already-grave situation through disproportionate, inhumane, and counterproductive military action. People in my constituency are understandably appalled at reports of Israeli troops opening fire on people trying to access food, and drones opening fire on children filling water containers.

Like you, I support Israel’s right to exist. The horrors of 7 October were appalling, and Hamas has continued to stir up chaos for its own ends. But the indiscriminate killing of innocent civilians is simply wrong, whether perpetrated by Hamas or the IDF. There is no justification whatsoever for this bloodshed and I condemn it unequivocally.

I welcome that you have joined 31 Foreign Ministers in co-signing the statement affirming what we all know to be true: the war must end now; there is no military solution; and only negotiations will secure the hostages’ release.

But the Israeli government’s actions mean that the British government must go further. I urge you to consider further sanctions on violent settlers and far-right Israeli government ministers whose actions continue to incite violence and actively frustrate progress towards a viable, peaceful Palestinian state. I also urge you to accelerate diplomatic efforts to secure the release of the hostages still being held in Gaza.

A two-state solution is the only long-term way to secure peace in the region, therefore I urge this government to immediately recognise the Palestinian state, even if our allies are not yet ready to do so. I urge you to demonstrate the progressive leadership that is now so urgent in the face of the disproportionate horror that has been unleashed in Gaza.

Yours sincerely,

Darren Paffey
MP for Southampton Itchen