Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure the safe passage of aid to Gaza; and what discussions he has had with his Israeli counterpart on the Madleen vessel.

We are aware of the interception of the Madleen and the arrest of its passengers by Israeli Naval Forces on 09 June. We note that this happened without serious incident or injury to any passenger.

Over the weekend and last week, we pressed the Israeli authorities in advance of the ship's arrival to ensure that any action they took would resolve the situation safely, with restraint, and in line with International Law.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is appalling. The UK continues to demand that the Israeli government permits the full and unhindered resumption of aid into Gaza immediately. By far the most effective way to meet the desperate needs of the Gazan people at the speed and scale that is needed is via overland routes. We reiterate that Israel must immediately allow the United Nations and other agencies to deliver lifesaving aid to those in Gaza who so desperately need it.