De-escalation needed following Iran attacks – Carmichael

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today urged the Prime Minister to support efforts towards de-escalation in the Middle East, following Iran’s attempted drone and missile attacks on Israel this weekend. Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Carmichael said that Rishi Sunak needed to challenge the Israeli Prime Minister on plans for an attack on Rafah in Gaza, where 1.5 million Palestinians are sheltering.

The Israeli military said on Sunday that Iran had launched more than 300 drones and missiles towards Israel, including 170 drones and 30 cruise missiles, none of which entered Israeli territory, and at least 110 ballistic missiles, of which a small number reached Israel, according to military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari. 

Speaking in the House, Mr Carmichael said:

“I hope that the Prime Minister has heard the very strong and broad consensus that there is in this House now on the need for stability and de-escalation.

“So when he speaks to Prime Minister Netanyahu, will he make it clear to him that if Israel were now to proceed with their much-anticipated attack on Rafah then that would not only be a humanitarian catastrophe for the 1.5 million Palestinians who are sheltering there, would make the release of hostages more difficult, but would make that stability and de-escalation more difficult to achieve, and as a consequence will not have the support of this government?”

Responding, the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

“We have repeatedly raised humanitarian concerns with the Israeli government, and the Foreign Secretary set out, just the other week, our views on the situation in Rafah.”

Reacting after the exchange, Mr Carmichael said:

“There can be no justification for Iran’s attacks on civilians at the weekend. Further escalation, however, will achieve nothing and risk allowing the conflict to run out of control. 

“An immediate bi-lateral ceasefire has to be the priority for the sake of suffering people in both Gaza and Israel – and for wider security and stability in the Middle East. The UK government must take a more active role in supporting diplomatic efforts to protect civilian lives.”