Mary welcomes the release of hostages, including Emily Hand who has been reunited with her family. After weeks of trauma this is a precious and deeply moving moment for the Hand family. All hostages held by Hamas in Gaza should be immediately and unconditionally released.

The violence must stop. The high number of civilian casualties is deeply shocking and unacceptable. An extended extended ceasefire must be secured to end to this destruction and for the establishment of a two state solution.

On the issue of EU funding to Palestine, the government has been very clear that continued and increased development and humanitarian support for the Palestinian people is absolutely essential.

The situation in Palestine is already under investigation by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. That investigation covers what is happening currently in Israel and Palestine, including the events of October 7 and all actions since that date.