Petition · past parliament · Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Remain neutral in Israel-Palestine conflict and withdraw support for Israel
Closed
151,550 signatures
What the petition asks
We want the UK to be neutral in the conflict between Israel and Palestine, and withdraw offers of support for Israel.
We don’t want UK to spend tax payer money to support Israel.
Israel has been found to systematically violate international law through illegal occupation of Palestinian land. Meanwhile Hamas has been proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the UK Government.
The Government is taking Israel's side but we don't want the UK to take a side in this conflict.
Israel has been found to systematically violate international law through illegal occupation of Palestinian land. Meanwhile Hamas has been proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the UK Government.
The Government is taking Israel's side but we don't want the UK to take a side in this conflict.
Government response · 6 November 2023
The UK supports Israel’s right to self-defence in line with international humanitarian law. We will continue to lead and support efforts towards a two state solution between Israel and the PA.
On 7 October Hamas terrorists brutally murdered over 1400 people. They raped, maimed, and took the lives of ordinary civilians. Their attack began on that day and hasn’t stopped since, with Hamas continuing to fire thousands of rockets at Israel. We have a proud history of standing with states against terrorism, of which this is a part.
We support Israel’s legitimate right to defend itself and take action against terrorism, and we continue to urge all sides to adhere to international humanitarian law. We continue to urge Israel to ensure its campaign is targeted against Hamas leaders and military infrastructure. It’s vital that all parties ensure their actions are proportionate, necessary and minimise harm to civilians. In all their engagements with Israeli counterparts, UK Government Ministers – including the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary – have pressed this point.
Hamas does not speak for or act in the interests of the Palestinian people. Hamas deliberately murdered and kidnapped innocent people in Israel and now callously puts civilians in Gaza at risk. At least 12 British nationals were tragically killed in the terrorist attacks by Hamas. Several others are feared dead or kidnapped by Hamas.
As the Prime Minister said, we stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people, who are also victims of Hamas. Since Hamas’ terrorist attack against Israel on 7 October the UK has committed £30 million in additional aid to the Occupied Palestinian Territories – more than doubling our existing aid commitment for this year. This will allow trusted partners to provide essential relief items and services such as food, water and shelter.
The UK has strong bilateral relationships with both Israel and the Palestinian Authority. What we want to see is both Israelis and Palestinians safe and secure, not living under the constant threat of terrorism, in peaceful proximity. We continue to work with international partners to lead and support efforts towards a two-state solution that allows both Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and dignity.
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
We support Israel’s legitimate right to defend itself and take action against terrorism, and we continue to urge all sides to adhere to international humanitarian law. We continue to urge Israel to ensure its campaign is targeted against Hamas leaders and military infrastructure. It’s vital that all parties ensure their actions are proportionate, necessary and minimise harm to civilians. In all their engagements with Israeli counterparts, UK Government Ministers – including the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary – have pressed this point.
Hamas does not speak for or act in the interests of the Palestinian people. Hamas deliberately murdered and kidnapped innocent people in Israel and now callously puts civilians in Gaza at risk. At least 12 British nationals were tragically killed in the terrorist attacks by Hamas. Several others are feared dead or kidnapped by Hamas.
As the Prime Minister said, we stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people, who are also victims of Hamas. Since Hamas’ terrorist attack against Israel on 7 October the UK has committed £30 million in additional aid to the Occupied Palestinian Territories – more than doubling our existing aid commitment for this year. This will allow trusted partners to provide essential relief items and services such as food, water and shelter.
The UK has strong bilateral relationships with both Israel and the Palestinian Authority. What we want to see is both Israelis and Palestinians safe and secure, not living under the constant threat of terrorism, in peaceful proximity. We continue to work with international partners to lead and support efforts towards a two-state solution that allows both Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and dignity.
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Debate in Parliament
MPs debated this petition on 11 December 2023.
Timeline
| 12 Oct 2023 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 14 Oct 2023 | Passed 10,000 signatures, requiring a government response |
| 16 Oct 2023 | Passed 100,000 signatures, qualifying for a parliamentary debate |
| 7 Nov 2023 | Government responded |
| 11 Dec 2023 | Debated in Parliament |
| 12 Apr 2024 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
151,550
Status
Closed
Department
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Opened
12 Oct 2023
Closed
12 Apr 2024
Response
6 Nov 2023
Debated
11 Dec 2023
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.