To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he is taking to help protect Israeli citizens from rocket fire originating in Gaza; and if he will make a statement.
Answered on
17 October 2014
The best way to help protect Israeli citizens from rocket fire, is to reach a comprehensive agreement on Gaza that tackles the underlying causes of the recent conflict. The agreement must also ensure that Hamas and other militant groups permanently end rocket fire and other attacks against Israel, and that the Palestinian Authority resumes control of Gaza and restores effective and accountable governance. It should also include Israel lifting its restrictions on movement and access for goods and people, to ease the suffering of ordinary Palestinians, and allow the Gazan economy to grow. There should be international monitoring and verification to ensure full implementation of a comprehensive agreement. The UK is working to that end.