Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whether he has held discussions with his Israeli counterpart on the reported air strike on two Palestine Red Crescent Society ambulances in Gaza on 5 December 2023.

The UK is aware of reports of attacks against healthcare facilities and infrastructure. Healthcare workers, emergency services personnel, civilian buildings including hospitals and medical facilities not used for military purposes must not be targeted. We support Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas, but Israel must ensure its campaign protects civilians in Gaza, complies with International Humanitarian Law and targets Hamas fighters and military objectives only. The Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary continue to press these in engagements with Israeli counterparts.