Gaza: Israel
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with international partners on the Israeli government's proposals to permanently (a) occupy Gaza and (b) displace its population.
Answered by Mr Hamish Falconer
The Prime Minister has been clear that the UK strongly opposes the expansion of Israel's operations in Gaza. We have repeatedly stated that Palestinian territory must not be reduced in the conduct of this war or subjected to demographic change, and that there must be no forced displacement of people from Gaza. Ministers have made these views clear in their contacts with Israeli counterparts. We have worked closely with international partners to set out our concerns in joint statements, including the Prime Minister's joint statement with his Canadian and French counterparts on 19 May. We have also clearly set out our concerns at the UN Security Council. On 20 May, the Foreign Secretary set out the Government's latest steps in response to the situation in Gaza, including suspending negotiations with this Israeli government on a new free trade agreement. He also made clear that if Israel pursues this military offensive as it has threatened, failing to ensure the unhindered provision of aid, we will take further actions in response.
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