David Lammy has insisted there must be no “back-tracking” over the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage deal for Gaza.
The Foreign Secretary urged the Israeli cabinet to ratify the agreement and for both sides to implement each phase in full and on time.
Making a statement to the House of Commons, Mr Lammy said the conflict has been “littered with missed opportunities” and added the chance for a “lasting peace” must be grabbed with both hands.
After weeks of negotiations in Qatar, officials announced on Wednesday that Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire deal raising the possibility of winding down the deadliest and most destructive fighting between the bitter enemies.
Dozens of hostages held by Hamas and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israel are expected to be released as a result of the agreement, which would also allow hundreds of thousands of people displaced in Gaza to return to what remains of their homes.
At least a dozen British citizens and some 1,200 Israelis were killed in the surprise Hamas cross-border attack on October 7 2023 which triggered months of fighting.
Israel’s response has killed more than 46,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, displaced an estimated 90% of Gaza’s population and sparked a humanitarian crisis.
The agreement would also allow hundreds of thousands of people displaced in Gaza to return to what remains of their homes (Ariel Schalit/AP)
Mr Lammy told the Commons on Thursday: “Much remains to be done. It is critical that there is final approval of this agreement.
“As the Israeli cabinet meets, I urge them to back this deal.
“Now is not the time for any back-tracking. Both sides must implement each phase of the deal in full and on time.
“The history of this conflict is littered with missed opportunities.
“It would be a tragedy to let slip the chance before us, we must grab it with both hands, the chance not just for a ceasefire but for a lasting peace, the chance to break the cycle of violence which has inflicted so much suffering on innocent people on both sides.
“The Government is committed to sustaining momentum, however fragile the process at first may be. Every hostage must be released, as set out in the agreement, every ounce of aid promised to Gaza must reach those in need.”