Stephen receives reply to letter to the Prime Minister
Stephen has received a letter from the Minister of State at the Foreign Office, Lord Ahmed, following his letter to the Prime Minister.
In his letter, Stephen called for a cessation of hostilities between the Israel and Palestine. He also called for the maintenance of an international humanitarian corridor through the Rafah crossing. Earlier this week, Stephen wrote to the Egyptian Ambassador to the UK asking the border be opened to allow injured Palestinians to be treated.
On the specific point of Israel’s response in relation to international law, Lord Ahmad said “…the UK’s position on international law is unwavering and we continue to make clear to all parties that all possible measures must be taken to ensure civilian casualties are minimised and to facilitate humanitarian aid to the civilians in Gaza. The Foreign Secretary emphasised these points during his recent visit to Israel. Israeli President Herzog has also said Israel will abide by international law.”
The Minister said he had “noted” the suggestions about mobilising the UK Emergency Medical Team, and whether the United Nations Relief and Works Agency would reverse cuts to Palestinian health workers’ salaries via the PEGASE mechanism. He made no reference to a ceasefire.
You can read the letter here.