Dear Constituent,
Thank you for contacting me. I share your concern about the recent events in Jerusalem. I want to make it clear that I am sending this letter in exactly the same form to all constituents who have contacted me whatever side they support in the current conflict
As my Muslim constituents observed the holy month of Ramadan and my Jewish constituents prepared to celebrate Passover, the violence at the al-Aqsa mosque was both unnecessary and inexcusable. Religious sites should be treated with the utmost respect – especially in Jerusalem, where the holy sites occupy such a special place for so many religious traditions.
I strongly condemn the use of violence against worshippers gathered at the al-Aqsa mosque and whilst I consider the erecting of internal barricades was designed to be a provocation, it did not justify such an assault by the Israeli forces. The indiscriminate terror attacks which have killed innocent Israeli citizens of all faiths have heightened tensions which need to be reduced.
According to rights groups, 2023 has already been the deadliest start to the year in occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank in two decades. There must be a renewed focus on negotiating a solution to the hostilities that would allow for both Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security. The nature of the coalition government in Israel which is dependent on the extreme religious right, is making such a solution ever more difficult.
I believe that the UK must step up in its role as a world leader and become more involved in the Middle East peace process. I was disappointed that the 2030 roadmap for UK-Israeli Bilateral Relations contained no reference to a two-state solution. It is clear from the vast amount of correspondence my office has received on this topic that my constituents are desperate for an end to the violence. Unfortunately, I do not believe that currently either side of the conflict is actively working for this to happen.
It is often the case when discussing issues as complex and deeply engrained as this, that peace seems unattainable. Nevertheless, we must all continue to work and pray that justice and peace will prevail.
Yours sincerely,
Barry Gardiner