Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of reports of criminal gangs taking over the streets in Gaza.

The breakdown of law and order in Gaza is hugely concerning. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic and completely unacceptable. The fighting must stop now. A ceasefire would help protect civilians in Gaza and pave the way for much-needed stability. The international community will need to support long-term reconstruction, governance and security in Gaza, including through reforming and empowering the Palestinian Authority so it is fit to govern and provide security for the civilians living in Gaza.