REACTION: Commons statement on Israel and Gaza from Andrew Mitchell, Minister for Development and Africa

Responding to the Commons statement on Israel and Gaza from Andrew Mitchell, Minister for Development and Africa, Katy Chakrabortty, Oxfam Head of Advocacy said:

“Talk of humanitarian access is a false promise, when Israeli bombs continue to relentlessly hit civilians and children and when a full siege remains in place. Israel’s right to self-defence does not justify this appalling suffering and humanitarian crisis. It is evidently clear that Israel is violating International Humanitarian Law.

“As the UK government is aware, it is it illegal to target civilians or deny food, medicine and water. Yet this is exactly what has been happening for over a month now. The UK government has a moral and diplomatic responsibility to help bring about a permanent ceasefire and start the hard-nosed work towards peace.”