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Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran told Parliament she found it "impossible" to feel happy about the Gaza ceasefire despite wanting to celebrate the end of fighting. The Oxford West and Abingdon representative, whose family fled Gaza during the conflict, questioned whether the devastating toll was worthwhile.
Ms Moran revealed her family had escaped the conflict zone and were "exhausted and traumatised" by their experience. She disclosed on social media platform X last year that her relatives had fled the fighting in Gaza.
Speaking in the Commons on Tuesday, she challenged Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (Labour) to give his "personal attention" to establishing a Palestinian state. "I want to feel happy this week, but I find it impossible, because with so much destruction and so much devastation and so many lives lost, you look back over the last two years and you ask the question: 'What on earth was it all for?'" Ms Moran told MPs.
PM's peace commitment
Sir Keir Starmer responded by acknowledging the need to "build a better future" from the devastation. The Prime Minister gave his "personal commitment" to work towards a lasting two-state solution during his premiership.
"We have the chance, and it is a chance, to bring a terrible chapter in history, finally, to a close," Sir Keir told Parliament. He described the ceasefire as "a moment of profound relief for this House, for this nation, indeed for the whole world."
The Prime Minister had attended a peace summit in Sharm El Sheikh earlier this week, where he met US President Donald Trump and negotiators from Egypt, Qatar and Turkey as they finalised the Gaza peace deal.
Conflict's devastating toll
The war began when Hamas-led militants launched their attack on Israel in October 2023, killing approximately 1,200 people. Israel's subsequent military offensive has resulted in more than 67,000 Palestinian deaths in Gaza and nearly 170,000 wounded, according to Gaza's health ministry.
The health ministry does not distinguish between civilian and combatant casualties but reports that roughly half of those killed were women and children. The ceasefire deal includes provisions for the release of Israeli hostages taken during Hamas's initial attack.
Parliamentary concerns over agreement
Labour MP Andy McDonald (Middlesbrough and Thornaby East) welcomed the ceasefire but expressed concern that the White House's 20-point plan lacked Palestinian input. He questioned whether the Prime Minister would ensure Palestinian self-determination and consent for any governance arrangements.
The plan stipulates that Hamas must end its rule over Gaza while Israel commits not to occupy or annex the territory. Mr McDonald also called for continued pursuit of war criminals and an end to what he described as Israel's "illegal occupation" of Palestinian territories.
Sir Keir defended the agreement, stating it was "widely and warmly received by so many countries" and urged MPs to focus on implementation rather than attempting to "unpick it."
Genocide allegations raised
Independent MP Adnan Hussain (Blackburn) claimed there was "overwhelming international consensus" that Israel's actions in Gaza were genocidal. He challenged the Prime Minister on whether perpetrators of genocide should face justice.
Sir Keir responded that accountability and justice were important in the Middle East. "We are strong supporters of international law and the role that that needs to play in relation to justice in the region," the Prime Minister said.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
