VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Gaza: Israel

Asked by Dr Scott ArthurLabourForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 9 June 2025UIN 54177

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether RAF surveillance flights over Gaza have uncovered evidence of breaches of international law.

Answered by Mr Hamish Falconer

The operational mandate for these flights, have been narrowly defined to focus on securing the release of the hostages only. These Royal Air Force surveillance flights are unarmed and do not have a combat role. We will not comment further on detailed intelligence matters to protect operational security.

Our International Humanitarian Law (IHL) assessments include information from a wide range of sources, including a third-party contractor specialising in geolocation verification and consider analysis from a wide range of sources including the United Nations, Non-Governmental Organisations, media and organisations on the ground.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim