Update on Israel-Palestine

Like many in Birkenhead, I am deeply concerned by the ongoing suffering and the urgent need for a lasting, stable peace.

As we enter 2026, the situation remains incredibly fragile. While the ceasefire established last October has largely halted large-scale combat, the humanitarian reality on the ground is nothing short of desperate, especially during the winter. I am acutely aware of the reports regarding flooding, the spread of disease, and the severe lack of adequate shelter for families living among the ruins.

The Government is pushing the Israeli authorities daily to honour the "20-point peace plan." While we have seen an increase in trucks entering Gaza, we remain deeply concerned that essential humanitarian aid—including medicines and shelter materials—is being outpaced by commercial goods.

Furthermore, the UK has been clear with the Government of Israel: the recent decision to restrict UNRWA and ban 37 international NGOs is unjustifiable. These organisations are the backbone of the relief effort. We have joined nine other nations in calling for these restrictions to be rescinded immediately so that UK-funded aid, currently held at the borders, can reach those in need.

I will continue to raise these issues with my colleagues in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office to ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of the international effort to provide relief and secure a just, sovereign future for the Palestinian people.