Banks: Two state solution is only long term answer to conflict in Gaza

Jan 20 2009 by Our Correspondent, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

I HAVE been approached by many constituents over the last week or so who have, like me, been left disturbed by the recent conflict in Gaza, writes MP Gordon Banks.

I have of course passed these concerns along with my own to the Foreign Secretary and I know that the Government are continuing to press for a ceasefire in Gaza.

They are gravely concerned about the escalation in violence from Israel, continuing rocket fire by Hamas, and the humanitarian situation.

As the Prime Minister said: “This is a humanitarian crisis. This is the darkest moment yet for the Middle East, and it affects the whole of the world.”

The Foreign Secretary has outlined our current priorities in the short and long term during a speech to the United Nations: First priority must be an immediate, durable and fully respected ceasefire. We also need to meet the humanitarian needs of the people of Gaza and this can be done through increased aid.

But in the longer term we need to meet the political needs of both Israelis and Palestinians for a strong Palestinian Authority speaking for all Palestinians and negotiating in good faith with Israel for the only solution to the conflict in the Middle East, the two state solution.

The UK is at the centre of efforts to halt the violence and secure urgent humanitarian assistance. We are in close contact with the United States, our EU partners and leaders in the region, including, among others, those of Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan.

DFID (the Department for International Development) is immediately making available up to US$10 million to help address urgent humanitarian needs in Gaza, such as food and fuel, as well as other humanitarian requirements as detailed assessments become available.

In addition, the UK already provides a range of assistance for the Occupied Palestinian Territories. In 2008, we provided over £75m.

In my view, apportioning blame and seeking to punish is not going to bring an urgent ceasefire any closer. Gazans are suffering terribly, but Israeli civilians subject to rocket attacks from Hamas are also suffering. We need to focus on addressing the real issues at stake, and securing an immediate end to the violence.

We understand the frustration, fear and anger of those Israelis who are the targets by these rocket attacks, and the pressure on Israel's democratic government to take action. But military action cannot provide a lasting solution; this must be achieved through peaceful means. Israel’s action has caused real anger in the Arab world and risks increasing the attraction of extremism. The international community need to work hard to ensure the authority of the Palestinian Authority is reinforced.