Welcome to the Liberal Democrats Friends of Palestine (LDFP) news bulletin. This bulletin aims to keep you informed about the latest updates related to Israel-Palestine and Liberal Democrat activity on Palestine.  The bulletin is sent to a mailing list of Lib Dems and supporters who have expressed interest in our work. We encourage those who are not already members of LDFP to consider joining (details available here).  This edition includes details of an upcoming LDFP webinar, a recap of our activities at the Liberal Democrat Spring Conference in York, recent Lib Dem Voice articles, and a summary from a Barking and Dagenham Lib Dems event on Palestine. We also cover this month’s Liberal Democrat Party activity on Palestine, latest news updates, and new publications on Israel’s religious persecution of Palestinian Muslims and its use of torture against Palestinians since October 2023.

Upcoming webinar: Planet Israel – Live Filmmaker Q&A A ll members and supporters are warmly invited to join us for a live online Q&A with BAFTA-award winning Jewish filmmaker Gillian Mosely about her powerful new documentary, Planet Israel. 📅 Thursday 30 April ⏰ 7:00pm (UK time)🔗 Register to attend: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/eR6O2SYvQeeicKlfM0a1uA Building on her acclaimed feature The Tinderbox, Gillian Mosely’s latest film tackles a question she has long wrestled with: why have so many Israelis supported the way the war in Gaza has been fought, and Israel’s ongoing cycle of ‘forever wars’?  The discussion will offer a chance to hear directly from the filmmaker about the questions behind the film, what she uncovered, and the personal stakes involved in making it. To get the most out of the discussion, we strongly encourage you to watch the film in advance by joining Britain Palestine Project’s online screening on 23 April at 6:30pm. You can register for that event here.

LDFP Spring Conference Recap   Fringe event: Complicit – Britain’s Role in the Destruction of Gaza On 14 March 2026, at the Liberal Democrat Spring Conference in York, LDFP hosted a packed-out fringe event featuring journalist and author Peter Oborne in conversation with Layla Moran MP about his new book, Complicit: Britain’s Role in the Destruction of Gaza. Peter summarised the book’s key findings, in particular how Britain’s political and media establishment backed and enabled Israel’s Gaza genocide through uncritical repetition of Israeli narratives, a failure to explicitly acknowledge Israel’s illegal actions, and the stigmatisation or criminalisation of pro-Palestinian voices in the UK. He welcomed the Liberal Democrats’ principled stance on Palestine, drawing parallels with the Party’s historic opposition to the Iraq War, but suggested the Party could go further by supporting broader economic and cultural sanctions on Israel to increase pressure on its government to change course. Peter also condemned the ongoing unilateral and illegal US-Israeli war on Iran and subsequent Israeli assault on Lebanon. He argued that Israel is the driving force behind this escalation, and that Gaza – the war crimes, the sense of impunity, and the complicity of Western states – was the preliminary stage for the wider international law violations now unfolding. Exhibition stand LDFP hosted one of the busiest stands at Conference, with a steady flow of members, councillors and MPs stopping by throughout the weekend. We had many productive and engaging conversations, and were pleased to welcome a number of new members to the group. With thanks to the LDFP members who volunteered their time to help run the stand. Policy motions LDFP submitted several conference motions and amendments, all of which were rejected by the Federal Conference Committee. These included a substantive motion on Israel-Palestine and an emergency motion addressing the terminal threat to the two-state solution posed by accelerating settlement expansion in the West Bank.  We also submitted a substantial amendment to motion F18, Trump and the Wider World, While this is broadly a strong motion, it does not adequately address Israel’s central role in the attacks on Iran or its ongoing illegal activities in Lebanon, Gaza and the West Bank, and our amendment sought to address this.  We were disappointed that none of our motions or amendments were accepted for debate, and particularly that our emergency motion wasn’t even included in the democratic ballot for conference attendees to decide whether it should be debated.

Lib Dem Voice Articles Report of the Gaza Tribunal – John Kelly, 30 March LDFP Secretary John Kelly summarises the findings of the Gaza Tribunal Report, which brings together extensive witness testimony, evidence and legal analysis of Israel’s destruction in Gaza and the UK’s role in relation to it. John highlights the report’s central argument: that beyond causing mass death and injury, Israel has systematically destroyed the institutions and systems that make civilian life possible, and that the UK has failed to meet its legal obligations under international law — raising serious questions about complicity and the need for accountability. Lib Dem policies on Israel/Palestine: hidden in plain sight – Ruvi Ziegler and Matan Rosenstauchary, 13 March Israeli activist Matan and academic Ruvi argue that while the Liberal Democrats have consistently adopted strong, international law–based policies on Israel and Palestine, these positions remain largely invisible beyond the party. They make the case that, amid growing public dissatisfaction with Labour’s inaction, there is both a moral and political opportunity for the party leadership to more forcefully champion measures such as banning trade with illegal settlements and upholding equal treatment under the law — and to do so not just at party conferences, but in the wider public arena. Saving UNRWA not only supports Palestinian refugees but also the rules-based Order – David McDowall, 12 March This piece by LDFP member David McDowall makes a compelling case for urgent action by third states, including the UK, to protect UNRWA in the face of Israel’s systematic efforts to undermine and obstruct its humanitarian operations. It has been published on Liberal Voices, a relatively new platform for commentary and analysis by Liberal Democrat Party members.

Barking and Dagenham Lib Dems host inaugural meeting with LDFP and the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians  On 26 March, Barking and Dagenham Liberal Democrats hosted their inaugural meeting, with speeches from Liberal Democrat Friends of Palestine and the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians. It was a successful and well-attended event, with discussion on Palestine alongside other issues of importance to the local community. The event also raised funds to support ICJP’s work to protect Palestinian rights through the lens of the law. With thanks to local party Chair Naveed Akbar, LDFP Committee Member Nailah Sharif, and the wider Barking and Dagenham team for hosting us.

Lib Dem Activity on Palestine and Israel Calum Miller and Monica Harding write to Foreign Secretary demanding urgent action to end Iran war and protect lives across Lebanon, the West Bank and Gaza On 1 April, Calum Miller, Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, and Monica Harding, International Development Spokesperson, wrote to UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper calling for urgent action to secure a multilaterally-backed, negotiated end to the war in Iran, and to protect lives and rights across Lebanon, the West Bank, and Gaza. The letter warns that Netanyahu and Trump’s illegal war on Iran is unleashing chaos across the region, and raises alarm at Israel’s illegal military actions in Lebanon and the rising civilian death toll there. The MPs also highlight Israel’s continued expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank and ongoing detention of thousands of Palestinians without charge or trial, stressing that these practices violate international law and severely compromise prospects for a just and lasting peace.On Gaza, the letter urges the UK Government to stop sitting on the sidelines and take a leading role in pressing for humanitarian access and meaningful steps towards a genuine pathway to peace. Read the full letter. Lib Dem Foreign Affairs Spokesperson responds to Israel’s death penalty for Palestinians  On 31 March, responding to the Israeli Knesset’s passage of a discriminatory bill introducing the death penalty for terrorism-related offences – which in practice will likely only apply to Palestinians – Calum Miller MP said on X: “This law is an affront to decency, fairness and the rule of law. Discriminating against Palestinians contravenes Israel’s obligations under international law. UK must call for the Israeli Government to revoke this discriminatory and inhumane legislation.” Read the original post. Layla Moran warns of erosion of international law in US-Israeli Iran conflict On 18 March, in an interview on ITV’s Peston, Layla Moran warned that Netanyahu and Trump’s Iran war reflects a blatant disregard for international law, fuelling global instability and accelerating the erosion of the rules-based international order. She said: “What we’re seeing is an entrenchment globally into the extremes, and what is being lost is the rules by which we conduct war. Trump’s just throwing these rules to the winds, and I’m worried about where it’s all going to end, because this war has already proliferated – we’ve seen a number of countries be pulled in.f “The irony is, we got my family out of Gaza – do you know where they went? Bahrain. And now they’ve got the same drones flying over them, with the same fear, and what that says to me is that we need to take a stand against Trump with our European allies. “It’s worth pointing out, by the way, that this war was started by Netanyahu, and the United States just went along with it.” Watch the segment. Lib Dem parliamentarians back call for apology over Britain’s actions during Palestine occupation  45 MPs and peers including 16 Lib Dem parliamentarians, have signed a letter calling for an official apology from the British Government for its unlawful actions during the British occupation of Palestine (1917–1948).  The move follows a legal petition to the government in September last year, which called on the UK to apologise for its historic role in the dispossession of Palestinians. The petition details evidence of unlawful acts and war crimes committed under British rule and argues that the current situation was, in many ways, “Made in Britain.” Lib Dem MP Layla Moran, one of the letter’s signatories, said:  “During its occupation of Palestine, Britain violated a series of international laws that were binding at the time. The consequences of those actions have profoundly shaped the conflict we witness today, yet successive governments have refused to acknowledge this record or offer a formal apology.”If Britain is serious about promoting peace in Gaza today, it must begin by confronting its historical role, recognising the harm caused, and taking meaningful responsibility for it.” Read more.

Parliamentary Debates (19 March) Lords Chamber – Middle East Lord Purvis: It is extremely worrying to hear senior political figures within Israel talk about cleansing part of Lebanon and creating buffer areas. It is becoming apparent that the tactics that have been used in Gaza may well become the tactics used in Lebanon. The consequences of that, given the UK’s support for sovereign territorial integrity for Lebanon, should be significant.… There is also the very considerable concern that there is likely to be an ongoing cycle of violence and trauma of civilians. That includes the Israeli population, which is having to withstand unjustified attacks from Iran, but we are also seeing continuing violence within the Palestinian territory of the West Bank. What is the latest from the Minister with regards to our representations to the Netanyahu Administration on the West Bank? Have we warned them that there will be repercussions if attempts are made for full annexation? Former Prime Minister Olmert has warned of this, and we should equally be warning of the consequences of it. Lord Mohammed of Tinsley: I wholeheartedly back the Minister’s comments about what is happening in the West Bank. Those incidents, such as individuals being attacked, are heartbreaking. Often it is not just the young but the elderly who are brutalised and beaten up for no reason other than the fact that they live there. Your Lordships’ House should be very clear that the Government of the United Kingdom will take strong action against anyone who is involved in that, including sanctioning further individuals. Watch the debate Read the debate transcript (18 March) Lords Chamber – Crime and Policing Bill Lord Strasburger: I have signed Amendments 420, 422A and 422B, which, if agreed, would prevent the naked politicisation of terrorist legislation ever happening again…The Government’s decision to proscribe Palestine Action was wrong in principle and dangerous in effect. It stretched terrorism powers to crush a protest movement, not a terrorist organisation, with a chilling effect on our core democratic rights. It felt highly disproportionate when it was being debated in this House, and that was later confirmed by the High Court. No wonder the Government needed the crude political stunt of bundling Palestine Action together with two obviously terrorist groups to force it through Parliament. Watch the debate Read the debate transcript (17 March) Commons Chamber – Middle East Statement Calum Miller MP: Reports suggest that a ground invasion of Lebanon by Israeli defence forces is imminent. Hezbollah is a brutal terror organisation and must be disarmed, but that must be achieved by working with leaders in Beirut and through international organisations. Will the Foreign Secretary tell me what further steps she will take to pressure the Netanyahu Government to cease their devastating strikes on Lebanon, and pull back from plans for a ground offensive? Will she also set out what new steps the Government are taking to halt and reverse the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank? Watch the debate Read the debate transcript (09 March) Lords Chamber – Crime and Policing Bill Lord Marks of Henley-on-Thames: Amendment 373 in my name and the names of my noble friends Lady Doocey and Lord Strasburger would remove Clause 140 from the Bill. As noble Lords will remember, Clause 140 deals with the question of cumulative disruption allegedly caused by protests. .. What is the difference between one protest, which does not give rise to such a restriction as is suggested, and repeated protests? It is that repeated protests are often required to persuade government or authority that something must be done. Of their nature, repeated protests are more likely to be justified and more likely to be effective, whether that be farmers protesting against inheritance tax repeatedly in central London, marches against the Iraq war or any number of protests in Trafalgar Square. The noble Lord, Lord Gove, shakes his head, but when we look back at the history of protests in this country, we see that repeated protests have the utility that they are more likely to be effective. Protest movements take time to build up momentum. That momentum is an important part of their future success. The more justified the protest, the more likely it is to be effective and the more likely it is to be repeated and repeated in the same area. Clause 140 is an oppressive clause. It would provide the police with the powers to restrict the very protests that are most likely to be justified and effective. There is no way of curing it and we should have none of it. Watch the debate Read the debate transcript (09 March) Commons Chamber – Defence Calum Miller MP: I thank the Secretary of State for his statement. I listened very carefully to what he had to say about the authorisation for the US to use UK bases and his confirmation that there are UK personnel embedded with US operations in the region. With that in mind, it seems all the more important that this Government are entirely clear on the limits of the consent they have given to operating with the US. On Monday last week, US Defence Secretary Hegseth mocked the idea of rules of engagement and said that he wanted to seek “maximum lethality”. On Saturday, President Trump then said that new areas and groups of people would be under serious consideration for “complete destruction”. What confidence does the Secretary of State have that the US is following the same rules of engagement that he believes are legal for the UK? Watch the debate Read the debate transcript (03 March) Commons Chamber – Foreign Office Questions Caroline Voaden MP: Last year, the Israeli Government issued nearly 10,000 units of settlement housing tenders, which was more than the combined total of tenders over the previous six years. The extremists in Netanyahu’s Cabinet clearly have the explicit intention of undermining any prospect of a viable Palestinian state, let alone a two-state solution. The Minister said that he condemns the expansion and is considering actions to take, but will he do the right thing now and introduce a full ban on all trade with illegal settlements in the West Bank, to show that this Government are truly committed to pursuing a two-state solution? Watch the debate Read the debate transcript (02 March) House of Lords – Urgent Statement on the Middle East Lord Purvis: My Lords, this is an unlawful war and has an unclear justification, with contradictory messages already from the Trump White House, State Department and Defense Department. The statements from the President today have not added clarity. The Government are right not to have allowed the use of UK assets for offensive use. The US and Israeli Governments’ actions have put UK lives at risk, including our personnel.….Finally, I wish to speak about something that was not referenced in the Statement and that is going on while this conflict is apparent. In the West Bank in Palestine, we see continuing violence and growing concerns over what may be an active annexation. At this time of tension with regard to Iran, what representations are His Majesty’s Government making to the Israeli Government that annexation of the West Bank is contrary to UK policy? It is right that we have recognised the Palestinian state, but there must be a Palestine to recognise. Watch the debate Read the debate transcript (02 March) Commons Chamber – Urgent Statement on the Middle East Ed Davey MP: We have seen before what happens when an American President launches an illegal war with no idea how or when it is going to end, and we fear for what comes next. In discussions with the White House, has the Prime Minister demanded to find out Trump’s plan for what comes next? Does the Prime Minister understand that when he fails to stand up to Trump, especially when he breaks international law, it makes our country less safe? How will the Prime Minister be sure that defensive operations from UK bases will not become offensive? In rightly protecting our allies in the region, can we be assured by the Prime Minister that he will not follow Trump’s lead down a slippery slope into a protracted conflict? Watch the debate Read the debate transcript

Early Day Motions (05 March) Cancer Care in Gaza – Tabled by Susan Murray MP and signed by 12 other Lib Dem MPs.                                                                That this House congratulates Gerry O’Hare and Dr Abdulla Alhasso of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre on their Global Citizenship Award for sustained work supporting breast cancer care in Gaza; notes their regular visits and ongoing support with Palestinian clinicians; recognises the importance of protecting health workers and maintaining access to diagnosis and treatment for cancer patients in conflict; and urges the Government to work with international partners to uphold the protection of healthcare, and to support humanitarian clinical collaboration and training that strengthens local capacity and improves patient outcomes.

Written Questions (25 March) Olly Glover MP Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of reports of Israeli settlers carrying out attacks on mosques during Ramadan in the occupied West Bank. Government response: No response. Due for answer by 13 April 2026. (25 March) Olly Glover MP Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has had discussions with Israeli counterparts on restrictions on access to religious sites for Palestinian Muslims in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Government response: No response. Due for answer by 13 April 2026. (25 March) Olly Glover MP Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the report by the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians, entitled Religious Persecution of Palestinian Muslims, published on 13 March 2026. Government response: No response. Due for answer by 13 April 2026. (23 March) Lord Roberts of Llandundo Question: To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the amount of land in Syria under the control of the government of Israel. Government response: No response. Due for answer by 8 April 2026. (23 March) Lord Roberts of Llandundo Question: To ask His Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the government of Israel about allowing international media access to Gaza. Government response: No response. Due for answer by 8 April 2026. (06 March) Lord Roberts of Llandundo Question: To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they have taken since 28 February to ensure that access to Gaza is maintained for humanitarian aid. Government response: I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 11 March in response to PQ 118368 which, for ease of reference, has been reproduced below: Despite some progress on humanitarian supplies entering Gaza since the ceasefire, aid flows remain insufficient and the majority of the population – including tens of thousands of children – are still experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity, with severe implications for their vulnerability and long-term health. The temporary closure of all crossings into Gaza following the start of hostilities in the wider region has exacerbated these concerns. We welcome the reopening of the Kerem Shalom crossing, but we continue to urge the Israeli authorities to lift all restrictions on humanitarian relief agencies, and enable the resumption of aid at scale and through all crossings, so that supplies of aid can reach all those who desperately need them. (04 March) John Milne MP Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many export licences covering military training equipment to Israel were extant between 1 January 2025 and 31 September 2025. Government response: The Department does not hold continuous records on the number of export licences extant at any point over historic periods, but publishes data regularly based on decisions taken and has, on an exceptional basis, periodically published further detail on licences for Israel extant as at a point in time. In August 2025 the Department published information on the 347 licences involving Israel which were extant on 31 July. Of these, five licences for the IDF/Israeli Government involved training and testing goods. (02 March) John Milne MP Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has assessed the risk of diversion for ammunition for civilian use licensed from the UK to Israel, including to settlers in the West Bank. Government response: The Department does not hold continuous records on the number of export licences extant at any point over historic periods, but publishes data regularly based on decisions taken and has, on an exceptional basis, periodically published further detail on licences for Israel extant as at a point in time. In August 2025 the Department published informed on the 347 licences involving Israel which were extant on 31 July. This total included 5 licences with an ML3 rating. Any ammunition covered under such licences was assessed as not having utility in military operations in Gaza, either because the items were to be re-exported to third countries, or because the items covered related to training ammunition or non-military purposes.

Latest News Gaza ceasefire violations: Tears of joy as premature babies evacuated from Gaza reunited with their parents – The Independent, 01 April  Israel deploying its ‘Gaza playbook’ in Lebanon – Arab News, 30 MarchExhausted Palestinians struggle to put lives back together as world’s gaze fixes on Iran – The Guardian, 29 March Gaza toddler released from Israeli custody with suspected torture wounds – Sky News, 27 March Israel kills Palestinian girl and police officers in Gaza bombing – Middle East Eye, 29 March Gaza peace doubts deepen as attention shifts to Iran – BBC News, 28 March Israeli gunfire kills Palestinian child in southern Gaza – Middle East Monitor, 24 March Israel steps up assassinations in Gaza despite ‘ceasefire’ – The New Arab, 24 March‘ There’s no ceasefire’: Gaza paramedic and father of two killed as civilian death toll since October passes 650 – The Guardian, 23 March Rafah crossing closure leaves Gaza patients trapped without treatment – Al Jazeera, 16 March Israeli attacks kill 13 in Gaza, including 2 children and a pregnant woman – Al Jazeera, 15 March Israeli military drops charges against soldiers accused of Gaza detainee abuse – The Guardian, 12 March 3 Palestinians, including paramedic, killed in Israeli strike near mosque in Gaza – AA, 08 March Palestinians in Gaza fear famine again as Rafah border closed amid Iran war – The Guardian, 06 March West Bank settlement expansion: Jailed Palestinians fear death by hanging without due process under new Israeli law – Reuters, 31 March ‘Discriminatory’ Israeli death penalty law would be war crime, says UN rights chief – The Guardian, 31 March Israel blocks cardinal from Jerusalem’s Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday, sparking outcry – Reuters, 30 March Israeli former PM calls on ICC to halt West Bank ‘Jewish terrorists’ after prosecutions stop – The Guardian, 29 March ‘There’s no safety anymore’: Palestinians warn of expanding West Bank settler violence – BBC News, 25 March Israeli settlers target Palestinian villages in occupied West Bank, attacking people and properties – BBC News, 22 March ‘The saddest day for Muslim worshippers in Jerusalem’: al-Aqsa mosque closed at Eid – The Guardian, 20 March Israeli police kill two young Palestinian boys and their parents in West Bank – The Guardian, 15 March Israel attempting to ‘erase’ Palestinian Muslim identity, report warns – Middle East Eye, 13 March Israeli restrictions at Al-Aqsa, Ibrahimi mosques ‘violate freedom of worship‘ – AA, 13 March Israeli military drops charges against soldiers accused of abusing Palestinian detainee – BBC News, 12 March International & UK response:  Prominent UK pro-Palestine activists guilty of breaching protest conditions – The Guardian, 01 April Tony Blair says the left is in ‘unholy alliance’ with Islamists. It’s a desperate last ploy to quell the anger over Gaza – The Guardian, 01 April  Kosovo approves troops to Gaza under US-backed scheme – Reuters, 30 March European nations say Israel’s planned expansion of death penalty is a “grave step backwards” – France 24, 29 March Pro-Israel Democrats decry settler violence in West Bank amid attacks on Palestinians – The Guardian, 26 March In U-turn, UK police say Palestine Action protesters will be arrested again – Al Jazeera, 26 March Trump’s sanctions against a UN human rights expert show free speech is dying – The Guardian, 24 March Second phase of Trump’s Gaza peace plan stalls amid Iran war – LeMonde, 20 March UK complicit in desecration of international law in Gaza, says Corbyn-led tribunal – The Guardian, 15 March Amnesty urges UK’s health service to cancel contract with controversial Palantir software – AA, 12 March

Publications Religious Persecution of Palestinian Muslims – International Centre of Justice for Palestinians, 13 March  This report, released on the final Friday of Ramadan, documents the rising attacks on Muslims in Palestine. Ramadan has long been associated with a spike in harassment, attacks and violence against Palestinian Muslims by Israeli police and settlers alike. This year, further punitive administrative measures have been introduced to curtail observance of Ramadan, including bans on traditional roles, as well as bans on decorations and restrictions on access to holy sites such as the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Torture and genocide – Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967 – United Nations Office of the High Commissioner, 23 March  This report examines the systematic use by Israel of torture against Palestinians from the occupied Palestinian territory since 7 October 2023, encompassing practices that meet the threshold for genocide under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. It documents how torture has become integral to the domination of and punishment inflicted on men, women and children, both through custodial abuse and through a relentless campaign of forced displacement, mass killings, deprivation and the destruction of all means of life to inflict long-term collective pain and suffering.  The report’s findings are supported by the August 2024 report of leading Israeli human rights NGO B’Tselem, Welcome to Hell: The Israeli Prison System as a Network of Torture Camps.