LFI statement on northern Gaza
Hamas’ murderous assault on southern Israel on 7 October triggered tragic conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, and huge suffering for innocent people throughout the region. LFI continues to support a ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all the Israeli hostages held by Hamas, and an increase in aid to the people of Gaza.
Ultimate responsibility for this suffering rests with Hamas and the Iranian regime, which funds, arms and trains Hamas, Hezbollah and a network of terror groups that are dedicated to Israel’s destruction and expanding Tehran’s regional influence.
From the outset, LFI has been clear that Israel has a right and a duty to defend its citizens by dismantling Hamas’ military and political infrastructure in Gaza. We agree with the foreign secretary that there can be no role for Hamas in the future governance of Gaza. And we abhor Hamas’ continuing use of the civilian population in Gaza as human shields and its theft of aid, as well as the fact that it continues to hold Israeli men, women and children hostage in appalling conditions and without access by the Red Cross.
We have also consistently stated that, like any democracy engaged in a conflict, Israel has a responsibility to abide by international law and to minimise civilian casualties.
We share the concerns set out in recent weeks by both the US and UK governments concerning the situation in the Gaza Strip and northern Gaza in particular.
We recognise that Israel is conducting military operations in northern Gaza to target Hamas operatives attempting to regroup there. Moreover, we recognise that the Israeli military has consistently made efforts to warn civilians of impending operations and evacuate them to safe areas to minimise casualties.
Nonetheless, a lack of clarity about the long-term goals and strategy of the Israeli government in the Gaza Strip is fuelled by the incendiary and intentionally provocative statements of far-right ministers. Those statements do not reflect the views of the vast majority of Israelis nor Israel’s friends and allies.
We welcome reports that the Israeli cabinet has decided to take significant further steps to ease the humanitarian situation and provide written assurances in response to concerns about the evacuation of civilians in combat zones.
In terms of the situation in northern Gaza, LFI believes:
- The Israeli government must increase efforts to facilitate the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian supplies to all parts of the Gaza Strip.
- Palestinian civilians who have been evacuated from northern Gaza must be able to return there once the military operation ends.
- There must be no establishment of Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip.
Beyond this, as we have previously stated, we believe that:
- Britain should support the establishment of an interim governing authority led by Palestinians with international support. A reformed and revitalised Palestinian Authority must ultimately assume responsibility for the governance of Gaza.
- The best possible future for Israelis and Palestinians can be secured through a two-state solution; with Israel genuinely secure and recognised within its borders; living alongside a viable, democratic and demilitarised Palestinian state.
- Relations between Israel and its Arab neighbours must be fully normalised, with Israel able to assume its rightful place in its regional home and the malign impact of Iran and its proxy armies, including Hezbollah, recognised and addressed by the international community.
