Prime Minister reaffirms his commitment to a long-term two-state solution, insisting that Palestinians must be allowed to return following the ceasefire agreement, writes Zahra Jawad.
Keir Starmer’s pledge to support the return of Palestinians to Gaza was a key topic during Wednesday’s Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) in the House of Commons.
Responding to Liberal Democrat leader Sir Edward Davey, who raised concerns about President Donald Trump’s controversial comments on the removal of Palestinians from Gaza, Starmer reiterated the UK’s commitment to a two-state solution.
Davey urged the Prime Minister to make it clear to the White House that Britain firmly opposes any forced displacement.
In response, Starmer underscored his commitment to the three-phase ceasefire deal, declaring that Palestinians “must be allowed home.” He emphasized the UK’s role in supporting efforts to rebuild Gaza and securing a long-term peace.
The Prime Minister reflected on the contrasting images of hostage Emily Damari reuniting with her mother and Palestinians sifting through the rubble of their destroyed homes, stating that such scenes strengthened his resolve to ensure his government remains committed to lasting peace.
However, despite his reassurances, Starmer has yet to clarify how he intends to challenge the US president’s stance on the issue.
Backlash Over Trump’s Comments
Trump’s post-ceasefire statements, including suggestions that Israel should hand control of Gaza to the United States, have provoked widespread condemnation.
During a press conference, the former president proposed relocating Palestinians, calling Gaza a “disaster” for its people and downplaying their right to remain in the territory.
His remarks have sparked outrage, particularly across the Arab world, as well as within the Labour Party.
Thirty-eight Labour MPs have signed a letter urging Starmer to take a definitive stand against what they call an “outrageous proposal” to forcibly remove Palestinians from their homeland.
UK’s Humanitarian Efforts
Amid growing international concern, Development Minister Anneliese Dodds reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to rebuilding Gaza.
She noted that humanitarian partners on the ground had delivered over 200,000 food parcels to more than 130 distribution points across the region. The UK has also pledged £17 million in humanitarian aid, including £2 million to the World Bank to help restore critical water and energy infrastructure.
The humanitarian crisis remains dire. More than 40,000 civilians have been killed, with experts warning that the true toll may be even higher. An estimated 104,000 people have been wounded, and 1.9 million have been displaced.
Controversy Over UK Aid
Despite the UK’s aid commitments, some MPs have criticized its handling, with accusations that British assistance is being diverted to Hamas.
During PMQs, Reform UK leader Richard Tice claimed that UK aid was ending up in the hands of Hamas.
“The British people do not want our aid being stolen by Hamas,” Tice asserted, accusing the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) of being infiltrated by Hamas operatives.
However, a December 2024 UNRWA report disputed these claims, which had been echoed by Israeli officials before Tice’s remarks.
Following the October 7 attacks, UNRWA’s Commissioner-General launched an independent review, which concluded that the agency had strict compliance mechanisms to uphold neutrality. Between 2022 and 2024, all external allegations were investigated, and action was taken when credible evidence of misconduct was found.
UNRWA has denied any evidence of aid being diverted to Hamas, stating it has received no specific allegations of such misuse in Gaza.
Tice’s comments were met with cries of “shame” from MPs across the chamber.
Starmer Stands Firm on Aid
Starmer forcefully rejected the suggestion that UK aid was benefiting Hamas.
“To be absolutely clear—and he knows this—we are not funding Hamas. We condemn Hamas, and everybody in this House should condemn Hamas,” he stated.
Despite Starmer’s pledges, his response to Davey’s concerns over Trump’s agenda remains vague.
As the ceasefire remains fragile, the public and many MPs remain skeptical about whether the Prime Minister will take a stronger stance on the issue.
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