Chief minister writes to UK Government expressing 'mounting concern' over Israel-Gaza conflict

Government says it follows a discussion on the matter by the Council of Ministers this morning, a joint statement issued by the United Kingdom and 29 other countries earlier this week, as well as a debate and vote in Tynwald last week.

That debate reaffirmed the Isle of Man Government's commitment to international obligations concerning war crimes and endorsed the stated positions of the United Kingdom and the United Nations regarding the current situation in the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. 

However, an amendment to the motion - brought forward by Douglas East MHK Joney Faragher - took away the requirement for the chief minister to write directly to the UK expressing the view of Tynwald, making this evening's announcement unexpected.

You can read more on that HERE.

In his letter to Lord Chancellor, the Rt Hon Shabana Mahmood MP, Alfred Cannan says: "I wish to convey that the human impact of the escalating conflict on the population of Gaza is being viewed with mounting concern by many in the Isle of Man who uphold a commitment to both our national values and a longstanding commitment to international humanitarian principles.

 "The Council of Ministers has further discussed this matter today, in light of the further reports of humanitarian suffering from aid agencies in Gaza and in accord with the joint statement by thirty countries including the United Kingdom, issued on the 21 July 2025, that the deprivation of humanitarian assistance is unacceptable under the obligations of international humanitarian law.

 "Respecting fully our constitutional relationship and the complexities of the situation across the Middle East, we consider it an imperative for medical and food aid to be delivered and distributed safely. We support the United Kingdom’s call that humanitarian relief must get through urgently to the civilian population and a ceasefire agreed.

 "We respectfully add our voices to the many calls for influence and the imperative for action in order to bring about an end to the tragic suffering amongst the population of Gaza."