Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he has taken (a) unilaterally and (b) with EU colleagues to help to lift the blockade of Gaza and allow unrestricted access for humanitarian aid and reconstruction.

The Government, both bilaterally and with the EU, continues to urge the parties to prioritise progress towards a durable solution for Gaza, and to take the necessary steps to ensure Gaza’s reconstruction and economic recovery. I raised the issue with the Israeli National Security Adviser on 3 June. There is an urgent need for agreement to address the terrible situation in Gaza and the drivers of conflict. We welcome the recent positive steps that Israel has taken to ease some restrictions. However, we want to see Israel go much further.