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The ceasefire in Gaza is a time for cautious optimism. Read my statement here.
 Picture: UK Parliament Since the beginning of this terrible violence in October 2023, I have been unrelenting and unequivocal in my calls for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire in Gaza. I have equally been clear that the October 7 attacks by Hamas were completely abhorrent, and hostages must be released.
Tens of thousands of innocent lives have been lost, with each story as heartwrenching and tragic as the last. There are no words for the pain, suffering and anguish that millions have experienced as a result of this awful war. This ceasefire deal, therefore, is a welcome and significant step towards peace. We must remain cautiously optimistic that this fragile peace will hold. Ahead of the ceasefire taking effect on Sunday 19 January, we have seen the escalation of strikes on Gaza by the Israeli Defense Forces and the international community must do everything to ensure that the terms of the ceasefire are met in full and on schedule. Only by ending the violence and bloodshed, as well as releasing the hostages, can reconstruction of the devastated Gaza Strip begin. The influx and distribution of urgent humanitarian aid must be a priority, as hundreds of thousands of Gazan civilians are starving and on the brink of famine. Over 2 million people on both sides of the border have been displaced from their homes, with many of them now having nothing to which they can return. Regardless of the events of the next few weeks and months, I will continue to be a vocal proponent of peace, reconciliation and a sustainable two-state solution. Together with my friend and colleague Marsha De Cordova, Labour MP for Battersea, I attended the Viva Palestina Supper Club to raise funds for the Medical Aid for Palestinians charity. The food and company were both excellent and all proceeds raised went towards a very worthy cause. If you are able to donate, please do visit the Medical Aid for Palestinians website here.
Many people in Gaza were already living in appalling conditions before this latest conflict. If the Israeli bombardment continues and aid doesn't get through, I really fear for the consequences. Today, I appeared on Peston to reiterate calls for an immediate ceasefire in Israel and Gaza. Every effort needs to be made to work towards a peaceful solution. See my clip here:
 I arrived back home safely from Ukraine yesterday. I went on a humanitarian mission with MedGlobalOrg, who are helping support hospitals to prepare for the darkest days of this conflict.
We worked with the most amazing people and met patients with the most heart-breaking stories. I was honoured to be able to help Ukrainian victims in the midst of the heart breaking turmoil they are experiencing. Let’s do all that we can to help support Ukraine.  Such an incredible honour to have volunteered with the Care4Calais team in Calais and Dunkirk. Their compassion and work ethic is second to none and they do so much to help and support those who have lost everything, in the most difficult of circumstances.
Care4Calais is a refugee crisis charity that helps with delivering essential aid and support, such as food and medical supplies, to refugees living in the UK, France, and Belgium. So glad that I could be a part of this experience to help with the crisis in Calais. |
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