UK intelligence services have concluded that the deadly blast at al-Ahli Arab hospital in Gaza was caused by a rocket fired by a Palestinian militant group rather than by an Israeli airstrike, Rishi Sunak has told MPs.
In a Commons statement after his trip last week to Israel, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, the prime minister stressed the UK’s support for Israel but warned against actions that could undermine an eventual two-state solution, including a viable Palestine.
Sunak said that based on intelligence and weapons analysis, the UK government “judges that the explosion was likely caused by a missile or part of one that was launched from within Gaza towards Israel”.
He criticised some media outlets for initially reporting that the blast appeared to have been caused by Israel, saying this “had a negative effect in the region, including on a vital US diplomatic effort and on tensions here at home”.
Sunak also stressed the need for a two-state solution and said the UK would provide £20m in aid to Gaza.
While saying that there was “no scenario” in which Hamas could be allowed to control part or all of a Palestinian state, Sunak said the idea of two viable states had to be sustained.
“Our support for a two-state solution is highly valued across the region, but it can’t be a cliched talking point to roll out at times like this,” he said.
“The truth is that in recent years, energy has moved into other avenues like the Abraham Accords and normalisation talks with Saudi Arabia.
“We support those steps absolutely and believe that they can bolster wider efforts. But we must never lose sight of how essential the two-state solution is. So we will work together with our international partners to bring renewed energy and creativity to this effort.”
He added: “It will rely on establishing more effective governance for Palestinian territories in Gaza and the West Bank, it will also mean challenging actions that undercut legitimate aspirations for Palestinian statehood.”
Responding to Sunak’s statement, the Labour leader, Keir Starmer, also stressed the need for a two-state solution. “Even as we stand by Israel in her fight against Hamas, our eyes must also look to the future – a future where Israeli citizens live free from the fear of terrorist attacks and a future for the Palestinian people where they and their children enjoy the freedoms and opportunities that we take for granted,” he said.
Following significant pushback within Labour after comments where he said Israel “has the right” to withhold power and water from Gaza, Starmer was particularly vocal about the need for restraint.
“This operation can and must be done within international law,” the Labour leader told MPs. “We democracies know that all human life is equal. Innocent lives must be protected. These are the principles that differentiates us from the terrorists who target Israel.
“So there must now be clear humanitarian corridors within Gaza for those escaping violence. Civilians must not be targeted, and where Palestinians are forced to flee they must not be permanently displaced from their homes. International law is clear.
“It also means basic services including water, electricity and fuel needed for it cannot be denied. Hamas may not care for the safety and security of the Palestinian people. But we do. We cannot and will not close our eyes to their suffering.”
Welcoming the extra UK aid for Gaza, Starmer called for it to be tripled overall, as well as the appointment of a UK coordinator for international aid to Gaza.
US intelligence has already said Washington believes the hospital blast last Wednesday was most likely because of a failed rocked fired by the militant group Islamic Jihad.
The Hamas-ruled territory has said 471 people were killed. US intelligence estimates put the toll at between 100 and 300 people, while saying this assessment could change.
