Peace Plan for Gaza - A statement

I welcome the news that a deal has been reached on the first stage of President Trump’s peace plan for Gaza.

Over recent weeks, I have continued to receive many messages from people across the towns, villages and city that make up our Buckingham and Bletchley constituency.

Like them, I feel a profound sense of relief that will be shared across the world – especially by the civilian population of Gaza, and the hostages and their families, who have all endured unimaginable suffering over the past two years.

This agreement stands as a testament to the tireless efforts of multilateral diplomacy. Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye, alongside the United States, have each played a vital role in securing this crucial first step towards peace.

The focus must now shift to full and immediate implementation of the deal. Every party must honour its commitments without delay, and the flow of life-saving humanitarian aid into Gaza must resume in full.

I join the Prime Minister in calling on all sides to meet the obligations they have made. We have all seen the images of relief and hope from the streets of Gaza and Israel overnight. I am encouraged to learn that the Israeli military has confirmed that a ceasefire is now in effect. Hamas must not shirk its commitment to release all Israeli hostages by 10 am (UK time) on Monday.

All nations must now work to turn this fragile moment into reality: to end the war, and to lay the foundations for a just, lasting peace and a sustainable future for both peoples.

As Parliament returns on Monday, I will continue working with colleagues from the Parliamentary Labour Party and beyond – including the Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, and the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan, Hamish Falconer – to ensure that the UK does everything in its power to support these crucial immediate steps and the next stage of talks.

This moment must mark the beginning of the end of the war. Our shared priority must be to secure justice, peace, and lasting security for both Palestinians and Israelis alike.