Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his Israeli counterparts on reports of Israeli soldiers opening fire on civilians accessing aid distribution centres in Gaza.

We are appalled by repeated reports of civilians being killed or injured while seeking humanitarian aid near distribution points in Gaza. Lives can be saved if Israel lets aid into Gaza immediately, at scale by the UN and non-governmental organisations. Israel must fulfil its obligations under international law to ensure unhindered humanitarian assistance. While we do not comment on the detail of diplomatic discussions, we remain in regular contact with the Government of Israel to urge the protection of civilians and the urgent improvement of humanitarian access. The UK continues to press for accountability under international law and for sustained, unimpeded flow of aid to Gaza, delivered at scale by the UN and humanitarian partners.