Following news of a potential ground invasion by the Israeli Government into Rafah, located in the Gaza Strip, I have released the following statement:

A potential ground invasion by the Israeli Government into Rafah, where 1.4 million displaced Palestinians are sheltering, threatens the safety of civilians.

Further bloodshed must be stopped. The UK Government should demand an immediate ceasefire and suspend arms sales to Israel.

I am a signatory of Early Day Motion 177 on Arms to Israel, which calls on the Government to immediately halt all transfers of military equipment and technology, including components, to Israel.

The reasons outlined in the Early Day Motion reflect my position. This includes “deep concern that UK-made military equipment and technology is being used by Israel, including in its most recent bombardment of the occupied Gaza Strip which has resulted in thousands of deaths and injuries”.

Read the full Early Day Motion here.

Read my statement on the International Court of Justice’s ruling to prevent genocide in Gaza here.