Gaza: Israel
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions on (a) effective deconfliction and (b) the humanitarian situation in Gaza with his Israeli counterpart.
Answered by Mr Hamish Falconer
We continue to press Israel to end its aid restrictions and ensure that the UN and humanitarian partners can work safely and effectively. The Foreign Secretary recently wrote to Israeli Foreign Minister Sa'ar, alongside his French and German counterparts, calling on Israel urgently to increase, and ensure the safe distribution of, aid.
The Foreign Secretary made his third visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories this week, where he restated that Israel must avoid civilian casualties, protect civilian infrastructure, allow unfettered aid into Gaza, and ensure the UN and its humanitarian partners can operate effectively.
I have raised the dire situation in the north of Gaza with both the Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister and the Israeli Ambassador to the UK, most recently on 3 January.
The scale of human suffering in Gaza is unimaginable. Israel must act to address it immediately. Effective deconfliction is an important part of this.
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