The below is a standalone essay from Ayala Metzger, daughter-in-law of Yoram Metzger, who was taken hostage by Hamas on 7 October 2023. My name is Ayala Metzger. On 7 October 2023, my 80-year-old father-in-law and mother-in-law were kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz to Khan Yunis. They were abducted Read more…
Justice for atrocities must matter by Yael Vias Gvirsman As Robert Jackson, the chief US prosecutor, reminded the world at Nuremberg: “Civilisation cannot tolerate [these acts] being ignored, because it cannot survive their being repeated.” The trials at Nuremberg and, later, the Eichmann trial in Jerusalem, stand as defining moments Read more…
We welcome the proposals announced in Washington last night to end the tragic conflict between Israel and Hamas sparked by the terrible events of 7 October 2023. If implemented, they will both free the hostages held by Hamas for 725 days and ensure a desperately needed surge in aid to Read more…
While we do not doubt the sincerity of the government’s intentions and share its desire to see an end to the tragic conflict in Gaza, we strongly disagree with the decision to recognise a Palestinian state at this point. Recognition of a Palestinian state outside of a meaningful peace process Read more…
LFI stands with the vast majority of the Israeli people who want to end the war and free the hostages, who Hamas have held in appalling conditions for nearly 700 days. Hamas’ murderous assault on southern Israel on 7 October triggered a conflict which has brought about terrible suffering for Read more…
LFI shares our government’s desire to end the devastating conflict in Gaza; secure the release of the Israeli hostages and address the catastrophic humanitarian situation by ensuring more desperately needed aid for its people; and help advance the cause of a two-state solution. We strongly support a negotiated two-state solution as Read more…
At today’s statement in the House of Commons on the Middle East, Labour MPs asked the Foreign Secretary about UK policy towards the 50 remaining Israeli hostages and support for civil society peacebuilding. LFI chair Jon Pearce MP asked: “I recently met the mother of Oz Daniel, a 19-year-old who Read more…
At today’s Foreign Office Questions session, the Foreign Secretary and Middle East Minister set out the government’s view that humanitarian aid must reach the remaining hostages in Gaza, and around the future of the Abraham Accords. On the former, Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer said: “Aid can be delivered effectively Read more…
At today’s statement on the conflict between Israel and Iran, Foreign Secretary David Lammy set out the government’s position that Iran must never have a nuclear weapon. He said: “Britain has long had concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme. Iran can never have a nuclear weapon, and the United States has Read more…
LFI chair Jon Pearce MP has written the below article for PoliticsHome. Click here to read the original. Keir Starmer is right to describe the humanitarian situation in Gaza as intolerable. Far too many innocent Gazans have died since the conflict began. After 11 weeks without any aid entering the territory following Read more…
At today’s statement on the situation in the Middle East, LFI chair Jon Pearce asked the Middle East Minister about Hamas’s rejection of the US and Israeli-backed ceasefire proposal over the weekend. He said: “I thank the Minister for all the work he is doing and the endless number of Read more…
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is worsening and must be urgently addressed. As we have consistently argued, Israel must ensure that humanitarian aid can flow freely into Gaza. We abhor Hamas’ theft and profiteering and its cynical use of the people of Gaza as human shields, but restrictions on aid Read more…