British government calls on Israel to halt Gaza offensive

Minister says that conflict is set to continue 'until we return to a pathway to a two-state solution'

Palestinians at the site of an Israeli air strike on an UNRWA-run clinic in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip. Reuters

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Britain does not support Israel’s expansion of military operations in Gaza, which has increased the risk of a breach of international law, following the reimposition of the blockade on the enclave.

Foreign Office Minister Hamish Falconer told MPs on Wednesday that the fighting must end, to ensure a two-state solution is put back on the table.

“We are deeply concerned about the resumption of hostilities in Gaza," Mr Falconer said. “The UK does not support an expansion of Israel’s military operations.

“Continued fighting and more bloodshed is in nobody’s interest. All parties, including Israel, must observe international humanitarian law.

“We urge all parties to return to dialogue and ceasefire negotiations, ensuring the return of all who have endured unimaginable suffering. It is clear that this conflict cannot be won by bombs and bullets but by diplomacy."

The failure of food deliveries – as Gaza's bakeries shut down – was a particularly grave development that threatens Palestinians, another Labour MP said.

"What we are witnessing in Gaza is a weaponisation of starvation with an ongoing blockade of food, water, medicines and shelter now into its second month," said Tan Dhesi, the chairman of the defence select committee.

“Aid should never be used as a political tool. Israel must restart the flow of aid immediately," Mr Dhesi added. "Blocking goods supplies and power entering Gaza risks breaching international humanitarian law and should not be happening. We’re doing everything we can to alleviate that situation.”

The discovery of medical workers buried in a shallow grave in Gaza horrified MPs. Mr Falconer added that a year after the deaths of the World Central Kitchens staff in an Israeli attack on a convoy, the lessons had not been learnt.

He called on Israel's advocate general to speed up its investigation so criminal charges can be brought.

The Arab Peace Initiative based on the two-state solution was the only remedy available to regional and international negotiators, said Mr Falconer.

"The British government's policy and the Israeli government's policy differs," he said. "It is going to continue to differ until we return to a pathway to a two-state solution. There is no Plan B. Our Plan A is for a two-state solution."