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Petitions on Israel and Palestine to be debated by MPs

7 December 2023

On Monday 11 December, MPs will debate three petitions relating to Israel and Palestine.

Cat Smith MP, Chair of the Petitions Committee, has been asked by the Committee to open the debate. MPs from all parties can take part, and the Government will send a minister to respond.

The first petition, which has more than 149,000 signatures, states: “We want the UK to be neutral in the conflict between Israel and Palestine, and withdraw offers of support for Israel.”

In its response to the petition, provided on 6 November 2023, the Government said: “The UK supports Israel’s right to self-defence in line with international humanitarian law. We will continue to lead and support efforts towards a two state solution between Israel and the PA.”

The second petition, which has more than 196,000 signatures, states: “The UK Government should urge the Israeli Government to stop the blockade of Food, Fuel and Electricity to the already impoverished city of Gaza.”

In its response to the petition, provided on 10 November 2023, the Government said: “The UK continues to urge all sides to adhere to international humanitarian law, and to call for immediate, unimpeded and safe humanitarian access for lifesaving aid to reach civilians.”

The third petition, which has more than 249,000 signatures, states: “We want the Government to seek a ceasefire and also seek to address the root cause of the current conflict by promoting dialogue and advocating for the end of Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.”

In its response to the petition, provided on 13 November 2023, the Government said: “We are focused on conflict resolution. We have consistently called for humanitarian pauses to allow aid in and hostages out, and welcome the announcement of four-hour pauses as a first step.”

What are petitions debates?

Petitions debates are 'general' debates which allow MPs from all parties to discuss the important issues raised by one or more petitions, and put their concerns to Government Ministers.

Petition debates don’t end with a vote to implement the request of a petition. This means MPs will not vote on the requests of the petitions at the end of the debate.

Petition debates are scheduled by the Petitions Committee. Only e-petitions started on the parliament petitions site are considered by the Petitions Committee.

Further information

Image: UK Parliament/Tyler Allicock