Layla Moran urged the British government to take a firmer stance on Israel, warning that the people in Gaza are facing severe poverty levels that seem almost insurmountable.
The Liberal Democrat MP emphasized the need for further measures, including formally recognizing the state of Palestine. She shared her connection with Mohammad, a doctor in the NHS whose father became trapped in northern Gaza last year.
Mohammad described the situation there as resembling “slaughterhouses,” expressing that many are on the verge of starvation.
Last October, The Guardian interviewed the two when Mohammad’s parents were confined to their home. Shortly thereafter, they had to flee after an airstrike killed his cousin and nephew.
Eventually, they returned and were among the fortunate few to have a standing wall in their neighborhood.
Recently, the UK government has adopted a more critical tone towards Israel. On Wednesday, the Minister for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer, described Israel’s aid blockade as “cruel” and “unjustifiable.” Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary David Lamy mentioned that the UK is in discussions with France and Saudi Arabia regarding its stance on the Palestinian state ahead of a meeting in June.
Moran noted her dissatisfaction that while the government’s rhetoric has changed, concrete actions remain lacking. She insisted that recognizing the Palestinian state would protect Palestinian interests and send a clear message to Israel about the consequences of its actions. Additionally, she criticized the UK’s arms sales to Israel.
Referring to Mohammad’s family, she said they reminded her of British citizens affected by the turmoil in northern Gaza.
Mohammad, who has spent two decades in health services, grew up in the Jabariya refugee camp and stays in regular contact with family still trapped in Gaza.
“The entire population is confined to just a few kilometers,” he explained. “It’s a tiny area with no shelter, no food, nothing. It’s difficult to describe.”
“People are really starving; there’s nothing left for them. I haven’t seen any proper food or aid in three months.”
His stepbrother called from North Gaza, where Israeli rockets fell on Saturday morning, resulting in over 100 casualties from overnight airstrikes. The lockdown imposed by Israel is now dragging into its 11th week.
“Everything is devastated there. Initially, people had animal feed to rely on, but now even that is gone,” he lamented.
“Bombs can’t kill everyone. It’s hunger that does that,” he asserted.
When Mohammad spoke to his parents, they reassured him, saying, “We’re fine, we’re in control.” However, he worries about their well-being, particularly since his mother has diabetes and high blood pressure, and his father is frail after surgery.
His brother-in-law told him, “Your dad doesn’t want you to worry, so I won’t mention anything.”
Mohammad detailed the dire situation, noting people suffering from hunger and bombings, as well as those with infectious diseases who can’t find treatment. “Those who get injured are incredibly unlucky since they often die without any medical help,” he added.
His stepbrother described horrifying injuries, saying, “There are people without skin. The missiles burn them, and they say, ‘I hope to die.’”
Moran, who developed a friendship with Mohammad while recovering from surgery, remarked that using hunger as a weapon of war is unacceptable. The level of poverty described by Mohammad’s family is staggering, but unfortunately, their stories are a reflection of countless others trapped in northern Gaza.
“We need to take action now; the UK government must increase its efforts to help make this happen,” she concluded.
