I am deeply concerned about the situation in East Jerusalem. The forced evictions in Sheikh Jarrah must stop and I condemn attempts by Israeli settlers to take control of Palestinian homes. East Jerusalem has been illegally annexed – Israel is the occupying power, which creates obligations that the Israeli Government is not meeting. Israel must comply with international law.
I was shocked to see the violence used against worshippers gathered during Ramadan at Al-Aqsa Mosque – this was totally unacceptable. It is essential that holy sites are respected.

Reports that Israeli air strikes on Gaza killed multiple civilians, including children, are shocking and appalling. Along with the rocket attacks launched by Hamas, I strongly condemn all actions that endanger civilians.

I believe the Conservative Government should make urgent representations to the Israeli Government to halt all evictions in East Jerusalem, change planning laws that discriminate against Palestinians and suspend the construction of all other settlements in East Jerusalem and elsewhere in the West Bank immediately.

Having visited both Palestine and Israel, this is an issue which I am extremely concerned about and I have voiced my anxieties and urged the Government to take action on several occasions.

I recently raised this in Parliamentary debate which you can view here:
https://twitter.com/TanDhesi/status/1395000564401025030  .
I also raised my concerns over the rise in antisemitism alongside my concerns about the situation: https://twitter.com/TanDhesi/status/1394328561415331843 .
I wrote a letter to the Prime Minister urging him to take action on this pressing issue: https://twitter.com/TanDhesi/status/1392409131143806976 .
Similarly I attended Labour Friends of Palestine briefing with the Palestinian Ambassador on the situation in Palestine: https://twitter.com/TanDhesi/status/1393266136565927941   .

I am glad that a ceasefire was agreed in the region on Friday the 21st of May, but, going forward, the British Government cannot be a passive observer and it must use its diplomatic influence to continue to work constructively with all parties in pursuit of a peaceful resolution.

Thank you once again for contacting me about this important issue. I will continue to monitor developments closely and press the Government to take action.