I welcome this news of a ceasefire to bring an end to this horrific and bloody war. I urge all parties to abide by this agreement. All phases of the ceasefire must be completed, and the UK must play its role in ensuring that happens.
I have long called for an immediate ceasefire on both sides and voted for one at every opportunity in Parliament, even when I faced abuse for doing so. I always maintained that a ceasefire is the only way to end the bloodshed and free the hostages.
This ceasefire is incredibly welcome news for the families of those hostages who remain in Gaza. The hostages and their loved ones have suffered so much from this ordeal, ever since the vile October 7th attack by the terrorists Hamas which murdered around 1,200 people.
The IDF have behaved in a brutal and inhumane manner during this conflict. I will never forget the horrifying scenes from Gaza and I’m appalled that around 46,000 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children. The true death toll will be far greater.
While we wait for this deal to come into force, I urge both sides to show restraint. I’m greatly concerned by the recent IDF bombings and killings in Gaza. I call for both sides to do their upmost to abide by the spirit of the ceasefire until it officially begins.
I want to see a massive increase in humanitarian aid allowed into Gaza – no more excuses. There must be no more arms sales to Israel, the release of prisoners held without trial, and the reconstruction of Gaza is vital. I repeat my call for the UK Government to take in wounded and sick Palestinian children from Gaza and get them back to full health again.
I now want to see a renewed push for a two-state solution with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable Palestinian state. This is the only way to bring about long-term, lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike.
With the true scale of these horrors still to emerge, I hope those in power around the world will learn important lessons. Did so many lives have to be lost, and why did it take so long for peace?