Despite continuous “grave concerns” from the Foreign Secretary, Lord Cameron, over Israel’s merciless killings of innocent Palestinian civilians, the Conservative Government is still not applying pressure on Israel to adhere to a full immediate ceasefire as demanded by the UN Security Council last month.

In the House of Commons yesterday, I held the Prime Minister directly accountable for this. I highlighted the tragic case of Zain Arouq, an orphaned 12-year-old Palestinian child. He was killed this weekend by an aid airdrop when searching for scraps of food. This came after most of his family were killed at the hands of the IDF three months ago. Zain’s death is yet another terrible reminder of the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

The reality is that tragedies like Zain’s could have been averted had the UK and US held Israel accountable for not adhering to the UN resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. A ceasefire would not only bring a much-needed end to the violence but would also have ensured the safe passage of life-saving aid to the staving families trapped in Gaza. A ceasefire is not just a matter of diplomacy – it is a matter of life and death for over a million Gazans suffering the most unimaginable hardship.

Zain’s story serves as a reminder of the human cost of political inaction and indifference. As an MP – but more so as a human being – I have a moral duty to not turn a blind eye to the suffering of our fellow human beings. We must stand together and demand the Government take swift and decisive action in demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to prevent further loss and disruption of aid. If Israel fails to comply, it must face repercussions.

You can read the transcript of the debate here, or watch my clip here.