When is a peace plan not a peace plan? That is a question many people across the country are asking in relation to the Gaza peace plan, the deal that is being brokered and overseen by Trump but which leaves many of us very concerned. This peace plan does nothing to end any of the injustices and violence experienced by the Palestinian people. The Palestinians, who have suffered the most, are not involved in the plan. They do not even get one seat at the table. They have been sidelined while the occupying force of Israel is dictating who can and cannot be involved. This plan has been designed by the US and it is simply being imposed on the Palestinian people. The governance of Gaza is to be handed to this so-called board of peace made up of US political figures, former and current western leaders and figureheads of international finance.

Even Putin apparently has been given a potential position on this board, despite his illegal invasion of and war in Ukraine. Trump has offered a way to buy permanent membership of the so-called "board of peace" by paying $1 billion in order that the richest countries in the world can get a seat at the table without any Palestinians being involved. This should be a great cause of concern for all of us. Trump has redefined the meaning of the word "peace". In his world, up is down, left is right, conflict is peace and might is right. We cannot allow this to continue. Peace will not work if it is imposed and if it does not include meaningful Palestinian engagement and participation. We cannot allow so-called peace agreements to be rammed through so egregiously, whether in Gaza or, indeed, in Ukraine.

This peace plan has come after this alleged ceasefire. I call it that because over 450 people have been killed and over 1,200 injured since October 2025. UNICEF tells us that while air strikes and gunfire have slowed, they have not ceased. International law is just an aspiration. We have no meaning of international law any more. We are not governed by any concepts of international law within the international community and this peace plan could be seen as more of an occupation of Gaza. We cannot allow this. We need to stand up for international law. We are not only legally obligated to do so but are morally obligated to do. We cannot accept plans like this that are simply not human rights compliant and do not adhere to any of the academia around peacebuilding and peacemaking.

It is completely beyond the realms of reality that we can be doing and inviting something like this. I would love the Minister to come in here for a debate because last week she said that this is a moment of hope but we cannot be remotely hopeful at this board of peace.