I strongly support the Government’s announcement that it has officially recognised the State of Palestine.
This is welcome and long-overdue news, which gives the Palestinian people the dignity and respect that they deserve.
We must be clear: Palestinian statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people.
A two-state solution, with the Palestinian state free from occupation, alongside a safe and secure Israel, is the only way to achieve lasting peace in the region for all.
While this announcement is a step forward, the UK Government must work with its allies to ensure there is a Palestinian state left. That includes an end to settler attacks and illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
There must be a full ban on goods produced from illegal settlements in the West Bank. If goods are currently being mislabelled, then we must stop receiving all goods until that is rectified.
There must be an immediate ceasefire on both sides in Gaza, the release of hostages by Hamas, and the rapid and unimpeded expansion of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The ethnic cleansing of Gaza has been happening before our eyes – the horrific killings and human suffering at the hands of the IDF must end. There must also be no role for Hamas terrorists in the future governance of Palestine.
Violence and war cannot define the future of the region. All parties must use this moment to work towards sustainable peace for Palestinians and Israelis alike.