London, UK – 12 May 2021: Afzal Khan MP today questioned the Prime Minister over the recent violence in Jerusalem at today’s Covid statement in Parliament.
The MP for Manchester Gorton and Vice Chair of the APPG on Palestine highlighted the stark difference between the vaccine roll out in Israel and Palestine.
Afzal Khan MP said: “The Israeli Government made the decision not to vaccinate more than 4.5 million Palestinian citizens in Gaza and the West Bank, leaving this responsibility to the occupied territories under-resourced healthcare system.
Only several thousand Palestinians have been vaccinated in contrast to the 4.2 million Israelis.” Afzal went on to press the Prime Minister about the recent violent clashes, which resulted in over 300 Palestinians
injured, including the death of 28 Palestinians and 9 children.
“In light of the shocking and appalling scenes in Jerusalem, where Israeli forces attacked worshippers, the holy Al-Aqsa Mosque and health care units, will the Prime Minister outline what steps the Government is taking to provide assistance to Palestine in this difficult time? And will he condemn the actions of the Israeli forces and accept that the only way forward is a two-state solution to ensure peace, health equality and the protection of human rights? “
Whilst the Prime Minister committed to a two-state solution, he failed to condemn the actions of the Israeli forces during the holy month of Ramadan.
Afzal wrote to the Prime Minister earlier this week, detailing his concerns about the use of force by Israeli authorities and contempt for international law and human rights.
He expressed the importance of a two-state solution, arguing that, “The UK cannot be a passive observer when it comes to events in the occupied Palestinian territories.
This week I have written to the Prime Minister urging the UK Government to press the Israeli authorities to end violations and injustices suffered by Palestinians.
The Government must work towards a two-state solution to secure a meaningful and long-lasting peace”.
