LFI honorary chair Mark Sewards met with Palestinian-American humanitarian peace activist Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib in parliament on 21 January.
At Portcullis House, the Labour MP for Leeds South West and Morley discussed with the peace activist the progress made on the Gaza peace plan, the steps necessary as the second phase is set to commence to disempower and disarm Hamas and deradicalise the Gaza Strip, and how Gaza could serve as a role model for civic nation-building that could be replicated in the West Bank.
Alkhatib praised the creation of the Palestinian technocratic oversight committee in the peace plan as a means to stabilise Gaza, provide an alternative form of governance and facilitate a transition away from Hamas control of the territory.
He also highlighted the problem of “double taxation” by Hamas on aid entering the Gaza Strip, which is exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the Strip. Hamas’ taxation of aid trucks as they cross the yellow line from Israeli-controlled territory – and its taxation of aid once it reaches street vendors – have been the primary source of revenue for the terrorist group post-ceasefire, leading to an increase in the price of basic goods.
Alkhatib stressed the need for credible Palestinian Authority (PA) reform, stating that the PA must structurally reform its civic bodies, invest in its domestic economy, stop the payment of “salaries” to convicted terrorists serving time in Israeli prisons and the families of “martyrs”. He also argued that the PA should declare Hamas a terrorist organisation and seize its international assets, present itself as a democratic alternative, and work to present itself as a legitimate partner for peace with Israel.
The meeting provided critical insight into the “on-the-ground” politics in Gaza. It highlighted the diversity of opinion among Palestinians, with many, like Alkhatib, opposing Hamas and seeking a democratic, free Gaza living in peace with its neighbours.
