Palestine / Gaza Ceasefire update November 2025
Thank you for writing to me about Gaza.
The agreement of a ceasefire in Gaza in October was a moment of immense relief - both for the families of the hostages still held by the Hamas terror group, and for the millions of Gazans whose lives, homes and communities were devastated by the Israeli Government’s military campaign.
Liberal Democrats are clear that this ceasefire and the accompanying peace plan represent a first step towards creating the conditions for more long term peace. The plan is imperfect and incomplete. Yet no progress can be made without an end to the scale of violence that Gazans have experienced over the last two years.
Though there have been unacceptable violations since October, the fragile ceasefire appears - for now - to be holding. At this critical moment, it is vital that all sides exercise restraint and refrain from further violence. Maintaining the ceasefire is an essential first step towards a lasting peace and a two-state solution - the only way to provide the security and dignity which Israelis and Palestinians deserve.
Meanwhile, the people of Gaza remain in the grip of a humanitarian catastrophe. Only the full, unimpeded flow of aid into the Strip can begin to ease their suffering. Liberal Democrats have been calling on the Government to apply pressure to the Israeli Government to immediately reopen all aid routes and flood Gaza with humanitarian supplies.
On 17th November, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) voted in favour of Resolution 2803 (2025) which authorises an International Stabilisation Force for Gaza, as well as the establishment of a Board of Peace (BoP) as a transitional administration in Gaza that will coordinate reconstruction efforts.
While this Resolution marks an important step forward - which we hope will reinforce the fragile ceasefire in Gaza - the devil is in the detail. It is also clear that the plan put forward by President Trump is incomplete.
The Resolution fails to address some of the key obstacles to securing a long-term peace - including the lack of a clear plan on how to disarm Hamas, and an unwillingness to address the vital need to stop and roll-back the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem which is deliberately eroding the basis of the Palestinian state.
In response, Liberal Democrats have called once again on the Government to finally ban all UK trade with the illegal settlements - to ensure that no UK business can support the development or sustainability of the settlements.
The UK must also work with our partners to build on the UN's Resolution and set out a clear roadmap to a two-state solution. An important part of that roadmap must include ensuring there is accountability for the horrific crimes committed in Gaza. We believe that the UK Government must pressure the Israeli Government to allow journalists and independent investigators into Gaza to gather evidence of war crimes.
Democratic reform within the Palestinian Authority is also essential to support genuine state-building in Palestine. Tackling corruption and strengthening institutions must be a priority - and the Government should use all diplomatic channels to press for this urgently.
In a statement in the House of Commons on 18th November, Foreign Affairs spokesperson Calum Miller said:
“we desperately need a clear road map to securing a two-state solution. That requires an end to illegal settlements in the west bank and East Jerusalem, and reform of the governance of the Palestinian Authority. How is the UK supporting reforms to the PA, and will the Foreign Secretary today commit to banning all UK trade with illegal settlements?” You can read his whole contribution here.
Calum also tabled an EDM which outlines our view on President Trump’s 20-point peace plan, which I have signed. You can view it here.
Liberal Democrats remain committed and determined to ensure progress towards securing the two-state solution.
Thank you for continuing to shine the spotlight on this. Please bookmark this page for a more comprehensive overview of my position and actions on Gaza and please do not hesitate to contact me again.
