Stephen urges Israel to accept Madleen shipment
Earlier today Stephen wrote to the Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, about the aid ship, the Madleen. The Madleen is a UK aid vessel currently en route to Gaza.
A number of constituents have been in touch with Stephen in the last week about the Madleen after reading reports that the Israeli Navy might intercept the vessel. Those writing to Stephen believe Ministers have a legal duty to defend the Madleen as it is under the jurisdiction of the UK government. They are also keen that the aid carried by the vessel reaches Palestinian citizens in Gaza.
In his letter Stephen reiterated that the situation in Gaza is “dire”. His assessment came after the Palestinian Health Ministry suggested that the death toll in Gaza is nearing 55,000. It is against this background that Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.
Having sent the letter, Stephen said “The situation in Gaza is tragic. A humanitarian crisis is developing in the region due to an Israeli blockade of aid. Israel must ensure that food and other critical supplies be allowed to reach Palestinians across Gaza.
“I urge the Israeli government to allow aid on the Madleen to reach those suffering in the area.”