Gaza Crisis

Over the last 18 months, I have been contacted by an extremely high volume of constituents from Angus and Perthshire Glens constituency who have written to me with their concerns in relation to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Please find below information regarding my own position on this important issue, including information on the actions I have taken in relation to this issue.

 

I was pleased that Israel and Hamas recently reached a deal which has enabled peace and a ceasefire in the region. It has been extremely concerning to see Israeli soldiers repeatedly breaking the ceasefire and Hamas subsequently delaying the release of hostages. It is clear that the ceasefire is in an extremely fragile state and that the actions of the international community will be important in ensuring progress towards a lasting peace.

 

I was therefore deeply concerned by Trump’s outrageous statements suggesting the removal of the Palestinian population of Gaza and occupation of Gaza by the USA. This is nothing short of ethnic cleansing, is wholly unacceptable and would constitute a breach of international law.

 

We know how dynamic and volatile tensions in this area have been, which is why we must continue to advocate for peaceful diplomatic developments which address both immediate and longer-term tensions.

The international community must recognise the State of Palestine and work towards a two-state solution.

 

My SNP colleagues and I unequivocally condemned the abhorrent terrorist attacks by Hamas on 7th October and joined with the international community in calling for hostages taken by Hamas to be released immediately.

 

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza over the last 18 months has been truly heartbreaking. Israel, like every other country in the world, has a right to protect herself from terror, however that must be done within the boundaries of international law. The overwhelming majority of men, women and children in Gaza have nothing to do with Hamas and should not be collectively punished for Hamas’s crimes. 

From the outset of this conflict, my SNP colleagues and I have consistently called on the UK Government: to push for an immediate ceasefire; to halt the sale of arms and weapons to Israel; to push for the siege of Gaza to come to an end; for Israel to open the checkpoints and ensure the flow of aid via the roads; to recognise the State of Palestine; to fund and support the ongoing ICC investigation into war crimes, including by dedicating funds to the Court; and to implement the ICJ Advisory Ruling from the 26th of January and the November 20th arrest warrant.

 

Dave Doogan, MP for Angus and Perthshire Glens, date it goes live.