To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whether he has had recent discussions with (a) his Israeli counterpart and (b) international agencies on taking steps to help ensure the (i) safe use and (ii) protection of medical facilities in Gaza.
Answered on
26 January 2024
Israel has a right to defend itself against Hamas, but it must comply with International Humanitarian Law (IHL); including the protection of hospitals, civilians, and medical staff. We want to see Israel take greater care to limit its operations to military targets and avoid harming civilians. The Prime Minister has made this clear to Prime Minister Netanyahu and has been in close contact throughout. The UK trebled our aid commitment this financial year and is doing everything it can do to get more aid in and open more crossings. We are working closely with partners in international agencies and in the region to get aid to where it is desperately needed.