Rishi Sunak must appoint a Middle East peace envoy to show that the UK is serious about ending the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, ministers have heard.
Alicia Kearns, the Conservative chairwoman of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, urged the Prime Minister to appoint a peace envoy, stressing the need to de-escalate violence in the region.
Israel deployed thousands of troops into the occupied the West Bank on Monday, and used drones to strike at Palestinian militants in a refugee camp.
The raid on the Jenin refugee camp is reportedly the largest operation in the area during more than a year of fighting.
Palestinian health officials said at least eight Palestinians were killed in the attack.
Israel’s actions come at a time of growing domestic pressure for a tough response to a series of attacks on settlers in the occupied territories, including a shooting last week that killed four Israelis.
As the House of Commons considered proposals aimed at banning UK local councils from taking part in the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, Ms Kearns stressed the need for a renewed peace effort from the Government.
The influential Conservative MP said: “I would also ask while we are on this subject, because I have never felt that we are so close to conflict, particularly following this morning’s news, particularly the chance that we may be seeing a third intifada, that we may be seeing the Gaza crisis 2023, we need to demonstrate meaningful resolve from King Charles Street (the Foreign Office’s address) in ending the conflict and de-escalating.
“I would urge the Prime Minister to appoint a Middle East peace envoy.
“Because we do not have any envoy from the Middle East, let alone one focusing exclusively on the Middle East peace process.
“We should be worried, because what happens in Palestine and Israel impacts around the world.
“I stress that this is a low commitment ask, but one that would allow us to live up to our responsibility and demonstrate meaningful resolve.”
Published: by Radio NewsHub
