Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact on the morale of Hamas caused by the UK's decision not to veto the United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza on 8 December.

The UK Government does not routinely comment on intelligence assessments. We have repeatedly made clear that the desperate humanitarian situation in Gaza requires urgent action to save the lives of innocent civilians. The UK welcomes the adoption of UNSCR 2720, which calls for expanded humanitarian access in Gaza. The resolution also calls for steps towards a sustainable ceasefire, reflecting the recent calls from the Foreign Secretary. A sustainable ceasefire means that Hamas is no longer able to threaten Israel with rocket attacks and other forms of terrorism.