Israeli permit system: children and parents in Gaza

Early day motion 1680, tabled 22 March 2021 by Kim Johnson (Labour). Signed by 43 members.

That this House condemns the inhumane practice of separation of children in Gaza who need medical treatment from outside the Strip from their parents, who are routinely denied accompanier passes by Israel; notes that since January 2018, Physicians for Human Rights Israel has assisted over 130 children including breastfed babies who needed to exit Gaza for medical treatment whose parents were not granted permits so could not be by their side during operations, chemotherapy and other treatments; further notes that as of October 2020, COGAT representatives noted in the Knesset that 40 per cent of children exited for medical treatment without their parents; it expresses profound concern at the serious psychological and physical implications for the children and the violation of their right to health; adds its voice to calls from the Physicians for Human Rights Israel, UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the European Academy of Pediatrics, the International Society of Social Pediatrics and Child Health and others to ensure that every child exiting Gaza will be accompanied by at least one of their parents and be able to access treatment in a speedy manner; and calls on the Government to use its multilateral and bilateral relations with Israel and do everything in its power to ensure it upholds its commitment to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and to end its horrific ongoing separation of sick children from their parents.

Signatures by party: Labour 23, Scottish National Party 12, Liberal Democrat 3, Independent 2, Alba 1, Green 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.