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Israel: Hamas

Asked by Blake StephensonConservativeForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 14 May 2025UIN 50281

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to help encourage the resumption of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Answered by Mr Hamish Falconer

We urge all parties to return urgently to talks, implement the ceasefire agreement in full and work towards a permanent peace. More bloodshed is in no-one's interest. Our priority is urging all parties to return urgently to dialogue and to ensuring a ceasefire is implemented in full. It is only a political horizon towards a two-state solution that can ensure the long-term peace and security of both Palestinians and Israelis. We are fully committed to playing our full diplomatic role. Since the hostilities resumed, the Foreign Secretary has spoken to Secretary Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, EU High Representative Kallas and the UN emergency relief co-ordinator, Tom Fletcher. On 15 April, the Foreign Secretary spoke to his Israel counterpart Gideon Sa'ar, and on 28 April met with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa.

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