CATHERINE Fookes MP for Monmouthshire has called for a comprehensive ban on all UK arms sales to Israel as well as unfettered humanitarian aid access to Gaza and sanctions on those inciting violence.

In her statement, Ms Fookes outlined her position: “The crisis in Gaza is devastating. I know many of you across Monmouthshire are rightfully horrified by what’s happening, I am too.”

“I want to be clear about where I stand. In Parliament, I am calling for”:

An immediate ceasefire to stop the killing of innocent people

Unfettered access for humanitarian aid into Gaza

A comprehensive ban on all UK arms sales to Israel

Sanctions against those inciting violence

The safe release of all hostages

Formal UK recognition of the State of Palestine

A just and lasting peace, including a two-state solution

“Although unfortunately I wasn’t selected to ask my question to the Minister in Parliament yesterday, it was obvious that across the house, from all parties, there was a strong feeling that more needs to be done.

This is what I planned to ask the Minister:

“The UN’s human rights chief says that ‘Deadly attacks on distraught civilians trying to access the paltry amounts of food aid in Gaza are unconscionable. Attacks directed against civilians constitute a grave breach of international law and a war crime.”

“Does the Minister agree that we must now do more? We must act to stop the senseless killing of innocent people, ensure aid can flow unfettered into Gaza, recognise the state of Palestine and stop the selling of all arms to Israel?”

As a member of Labour Friends of Palestine, Catherine Fookes also signed a letter alongside 73 other MP’s and Peers calling for the UK Government to formally recognise the state of Palestine at the UN conference in June.