Dudley MP signs letter calling for Palestinian state
A Black Country MP has signed a petition calling on the UK Government to make the case for formally recognising the state of Palestine.
Dudley MP Sonia Kumar is one of 255 MPs who have signed a letter calling on the Government to press the United Nations to recognise the a Palestinian state as part of a 'two-state solution' to end fighting.
Miss Kumar said a 2014 vote in the House of Commons MPs overwhelmingly voted in favour of recognising the state of Palestine alongside the state of Israel.
She added: "Recognition is not a symbolic gesture, it is a meaningful act that affirms the rights of Palestinians and strengthens the prospects for peace."
She said the UK had a moral and diplomatic responsibility to lead.
Miss Kumar said she fervently hoped for the safe and immediate release of all hostages in Gaza.
"No family should have to endure such anguish," she said.
"At the same time, we cannot turn away from the immense suffering of Palestinian children.
"Critically ill patients are dying without access to care, newborn babies are wasting away from hunger, and families are being torn apart by a crisis that deepens by the day. "Every child, Israeli or Palestinian, deserves to live in safety, with dignity and hope. We must act urgently to protect all innocent lives.”
