Dr Neil Hudson MP stood up in Parliament to implore Ministers to continue doing all they can to make sure humanitarian aid flows freely to those in Gaza who need it most.
His comments came during an urgent Ministerial Statement in the House of Commons from the Minister for Development, Andrew Mitchell, on the Humanitarian Situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Speaking afterwards, Dr Neil Hudson MP, said:
"The world weeps for the thousands of innocents who have been dragged into Hamas' brutal war in the Middle East.
"I'm proud that as an outward looking progressive nation, we are focusing our efforts on a diplomatic and political solution to the conflict. And, while an equitable resolution is being reached, we are doing everything humanly possible to support those who are suffering with humanitarian relief.
"Our Prime Minister and his highly capable team continue to have my full support as we send food, medicine, water filters and much more to those who need it most."
The UK Government has committed a further $37 million in humanitarian assistance since 16th October doubling the UK’s commitment to the Occupied Palestinian Territories this year.
Ministers and diplomats have been consistent in their calls for safe humanitarian access to the Occupied Palestinian Territories to remain unimpeded. The UK Government has delivered lifesaving aid including water filters, fuel, wound packs, medicine, food, emergency shelter, forklift trucks, belt conveyors, lighting towers and more.
According to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office more British nationals have continued to cross the border into Egypt from Gaza via the Rafah crossing in recent days. The UK Government is working with Egyptian and Israeli authorities to ensure the crossing stays open.
Full exchange in Parliament:
Dr Neil Hudson MP asked:
"Can I thank my Right Honourable Friend for his statement and for him, the Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary, for their ongoing diplomatic efforts at this time? Will my Right Honourable Friend join me in paying tribute to the brave humanitarian workers doing so much in Gaza? And can he reassure the House again that the UK Government is straining every sinew to get as much humanitarian aid into Gaza as quickly as possible?"
The Minister of State for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, replied:
"I'm grateful to my Honourable Friend for once again reiterating the strong support across the House for the brave humanitarian workers and what they are doing in this terrible conflict, and also expressing his abhorrence that unarmed people who are only trying to benefit their fellow humans should be murdered in this way. And he can rest assured that we will do everything we possibly can to make sure that they are protected."
Watch the full Ministerial Statement here.
