Ruth statement on Palestine

Ruth’s statement

‘‘I fully support and welcome the decision by the UK Government to recognise the State of Palestine. This is an important moment that recognises the historic rights of the Palestinian people to form their own, independent state that successive United Nation resolutions have affirmed and which the House of Commons voted for in 2014.

This is a decision which sees the UK join over 140 other nations around the world in recognising Palestinian statehood. The UK has a special and historic role in the Middle East, with the Balfour Declaration in 1917 and the Mandate for Palestine formerly being administered by the British Empire. When I visited the West Bank in 2018, I was told that the prospects for peace were rapidly fading. I fear that since then the prospects for peace have only become more distance .

I disagree with the claims being made by Israeli Politicians that this decision to recognise the state of Palestine rewards Hamas. The right and independence of the State of Palestine predates Hamas and Hamas is not the elected or recognised governing authority of Palestine.

With Israel continuing to expand their unlawful settlements in the West Bank and continuing to turn a blind eye to settler violence against Palestinians, I believe that it is right for the UK Government to send a strong message. The actions of the Israeli Government have consistently breached international law. Attacks on civilians seeking aid, attacks on journalists and NGOs and the forced displacement of civilians in Gaza are all signs of this.

 I am glad that over the past year we have seen stronger action from the UK Government against Israel. We have seen sanctions on senior Israeli Ministers and the suspension of trade talks. This is welcome and much needed.

 I will continue to work to ensure that our government puts pressure on Israel, secures an immediate ceasefire, a release of all the hostages and a huge increase in the levels of aid to Gaza.’’