As the nation and those beyond look on, this has been a very sad day for Parliament.
Rather than offering clarity on Parliament’s position, speaking with one voice as we seek to end the fighting, there are not one but three separate texts as this debate turns into a political football. There is little dividing each party's stance. What divides the three texts is minute details and political language.
We condemn the shocking scale of civilian casualties. We recognise Israel's right to respond to the disgusting attack and hostage-taking of Israeli and international citizens on the 7th of October but share in deep concern at the disproportionate response that has followed.
We look for voices in the Middle East condemning Hamas, calling for the release of all hostages, and offering a way forward for the respect of democracy and human rights in Gaza and Palestine. They are absent.
Britain has an important role to play. We have a leading voice on the international stage and must feel able to use it.
We recognise the diplomatic efforts of the Foreign Secretary already. He has been unequivocal in his support of a two-state solution now, not simply as a part of the conclusion to this conflict. His diplomatic efforts have brought stoicism and levelheadedness to discussions in Israel and Gaza, working towards humanitarian pauses and the opening of new routes for the delivery of much-needed aid.
As recently as this week, the Foreign Secretary has called for an immediate cease in fighting and a unified plan towards peace.
It is easy to sit in the Commons chamber and shout those words “Let’s have a ceasefire”, indeed no one in Parliament wishes for further bloodshed, but we must acknowledge that it is harder to implement that in practice.
I wish to see colleagues from across the House come together and agree a unified statement on how the United Kingdom will assist in bringing a conclusion to the devastation and bloodshed we see in Gaza and Israel.
What has taken place this evening is a reflection on how fragmented and polarised many in our communities have become. We share in a common desire for peace. Contentious amendments and head-line seeking motions waste the opportunity for a unified approach to our foreign relations at a time when unity, clarity and compassion matter most.
I support an end to the violence. I support international recognition for the State of Israel and an independent Palestinian State that is free from Hamas. I support unity at this time of division.
