Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whether he has made representations to the Israeli authorities on the (a) shelling of the maternity department at Nasser Hospital on 17 December 2023, (b) detention of healthcare staff from Kamal Adwan hospital on 13 December 2023 and (c) International Committee of the Red Cross access to those detained.

We are aware of reports of attacks against healthcare facilities and infrastructure. Healthcare workers, emergency services personnel, civilian buildings including hospitals and medical facilities that are not used for military purposes must not be targeted. We support Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas, but Israel must protect civilians in Gaza and comply with International Humanitarian Law. We are aware of reports over Israeli detention practices. We are particularly concerned over reports about Israel's extensive use of administrative detention, which should be used only where it is justified in accordance with international law. Those under detention should either be charged or released. The UK is committed to working with Israel to secure improvements in its detention practices and repeatedly calls on Israel to abide by its obligations under international law. The safety of humanitarian personnel and healthcare workers in Gaza is critical to enable aid to reach those who need it most. The Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary continue to make this clear in engagements with their Israeli counterparts.