Oxfordshire MP says family is 'too old' to flee Gaza
Layla Moran is a Labour MP for Oxford West and Abingdon
Oxford West and Abingdon's MP has said members of her extended family are “too old” to flee Gaza after their house was bombed by Israeli forces.
Liberal Democrat Layla Moran disclosed the details as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak gave a statement to the House of Commons on the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Ms Moran, MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, said:
“My immediate family is from the West Bank, but we have extended family in Gaza City.
“Their house was bombed by the IDF (Israel Defence Forces). They went to seek sanctuary in a church because we’re Christian Palestinians, and I’m afraid they are still there because they are too old to go, and they say to me that they have nowhere to go.
“Because of this, not despite it, I attended a vigil in Oxford organised by the Jewish community, because it is between our communities that we now share profound emotions – loss and grief.”
She sought assurances that “it will be never again” and that “whenever we get through whatever is going to happen in the next few days, that he keeps the promise he made to my great grandfather, and that there will be a Palestinian state to call our own at the end of it”.
Mr Sunak expressed his sympathies, and paid tribute to “the fact that she looks forward to a more positive future – it’s an ambition that I share”, adding “we must find a way to move forward, to secure a more stable, peaceful settlement”.
Conservative former minister Stephen Crabb said families of people taken hostage by Hamas were present in the Commons on Monday.
His office said the families of Ada Sagi, 75, and Yocheved and Oded Lifschitz, who are 85 and 83 years old respectively, were watching the Prime Minister’s speech.
Labour MP Dawn Butler (Brent Central) said:
“Noam Sagi, his wife… and their son are here today and they are watching you give your statement.
“Ada Sagi, Noam’s mum, has been taken hostage by Hamas on Saturday October 7 from her home and is currently being held in Gaza.
“Ada booked a ticket to the UK to celebrate her 75th birthday. Noam has written to you asking for your immediate intervention and assistance. Joe Biden has made personal calls to his citizens.
“I’m asking if you will, please, and remember the family are watching you Prime Minister, would you please just spare five minutes to have a quick conversation?”
Mr Sunak replied:
“Of course I’m happy to have a quick conversation, but I’m also engaged actively with our partners in the region to try and ensure the safe release of our hostages. Something which I’m sure the House will support me in doing any which way we can.
“We will use all the tools at our disposal to ensure their safe return.”