Israel: Prisoners
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his (a) Israeli, (b) US and (c) Qatari counterparts on the (i) safety and (ii) potential early release of (A) Eli Sharabi and (B) Oded Lifshitz.
Answered by Mr Hamish Falconer
The safe release of all hostages, including those with strong UK-links, is a top priority for the government. The current ceasefire deal must secure their release, protect both Israelis and Palestinians, and allow the safe distribution of aid.
The UK is working with international partners to ensure the stability of the ceasefire agreement, so that it is implemented in full. In doing so, we aim to secure the release of all hostages, including those with strong UK-links: Eli Sharabi, Oded Lifshitz, Avinatan Or. And we also aim to ensure that the remains of Yossi Sharabi are returned to his family.
The UK will continue to work with Israel, the Palestinian Authority, the US and regional partners to build consensus for a post-conflict Gaza governance and security framework that supports conditions for a permanent and sustainable peace.
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