Prisoners released by Israel have gone on to commit further terror offences, MP warns
Foreign Office minister Andrew Mitchell tells the Commons: 'Continuing the pause in hostilities is for the Israelis and others in the region to agree'
History shows us that previous security prisoners released by Israel have gone on to commit further terror offences, an MP has warned.
Speaking in the Commons, Conservative MP Greg Smith said: “The release of some hostages is incredibly welcome, but the price for that is Israel has taken the difficult decision to release many Palestinian prisoners held for terror offences, including bombings and stabbing attacks, in exchange for its civilians held in Gaza in unimaginable conditions.
“History shows us that previous security prisoners released by Israel had gone on to commit further terror offences, so will my right honourable friend agree with me that this should be of concern to the whole world and we must continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel to support them to combat terror?”
In response, Foreign Office minister Andrew Mitchell said: “I think the point that he makes, particularly about prisoners re-offending, underlines the importance of us pursuing every possible way of getting on to a political track.
“And when this ghastly violence finishes, or is significantly diminished everyone must bend every conceivable sinew to drive forward a new political process for peace.”
Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy, had asked an urgent question in the Commons, saying he wanted to see the parties in Israel and Gaza extend the “cessation of hostilities”.
The Labour MP said: “We must now urgently support the parties to reach an agreement to extend the cessation of hostilities, to secure the release of remaining hostages, to deliver more aid to ease the unacceptable humanitarian catastrophe, and crucially to provide a stepping stone to an enduring cessation of hostilities, and ensuring that what follows the war is a durable political solution.”
Also addressing the fact that Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron cannot answer questions in the Commons, Mr Lammy said: “This is feeling more like a game of Where’s Wally?”
Mitchell also told the Commons: “The British Government is supportive of the current pause in hostilities continuing, but that is for the Israelis and others in the region to agree.
“But we are clear that this pause should not be a one-off. The increased flow of fuel and relief supplies over the Rafah crossing accompanying the pause was welcome and must be sustained.”
Responding to Labour, he thanked shadow foreign secretary Lammy for expressing the “desire to ensure that there is an extension in the cessation of hostilities”.
Addressing the jibe aimed at Lord Cameron, Mitchell said he recognised the importance of scrutiny, but referencing Lord Cameron’s recent visit to the Middle East noted what he described as the “extraordinary authority that a former prime minister carrying out these tasks can bring to bear”.
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