To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with European partners concerning the case for mediating an agreement on international supervision of the Port of Gaza; and what assessment they have made of the difficulties that stand in the way of such an agreement.
Answered on
7 July 2015
The EU, with UK encouragement, has looked at a number of options for how it can encourage an easing of movement and access into and out of Gaza. This includes the possibility of EU assistance in establishing a sea-link from Gaza to another international port, currently envisaged in Cyprus. The difficulty that stands in the way is the remaining need for all parties to reach an agreement that addresses the underlying causes of the conflict in Gaza. This should ensure that Hamas and other militant groups permanently end rocket fire and other attacks against Israel; the Palestinian Authority resumes control of Gaza and restores effective and accountable governance; and Israel eases movement and access restrictions to allow the Gazan economy to grow.