Foord backs ceasefire and calls for peace talks to end violence in Gaza

Responding to tonight's vote in Parliament on an amendment to the King's Speech which called for a ceasefire in the Israel and Gaza conflict, Liberal Democrat MP for Tiverton & Honiton Richard Foord said:

"Tonight, I voted to demand the UK Government calls for a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel.

"It has been several weeks since the fighting began and there is no military solution to the terrible insecurity that both sides feel. It is unconscionable that thousands of innocent lives have been lost. There is a growing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. Israel continues to be subject to rocket attacks, and there are over 200 people being held hostage, or as prisoners of war.

"We have to try something different. We need to break the deadlock and stop the fighting. For the security of Israelis and the future of Palestinians, Hamas cannot be allowed to continue in charge of Gaza. Liberal Democrats support a political solution via an immediate bilateral ceasefire.

"A ceasefire cannot be a goal in itself. It is contingent upon both parties adhering to it. On 7th October, Hamas broke the previous ceasefire to launch their violent terrorist attack on Israeli civilians. So a ceasefire that is not adhered to by both sides does not advance us towards lasting peace. It is not enough to simply freeze the conflict; a long-term solution is required that provides peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.

"I will continue to push for a ceasefire, so we can secure the release of hostages and get both Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories around the negotiating table. A lasting peace and a two-state solution is the way to guarantee the dignity and security which both Palestinians and Israelis deserve."