Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what status they give to the political wing of Hamas; and what plans they have for dialogue with the newly formed unity government in Gaza.

The UK proscribes the military wing of Hamas, but does not proscribe its political wing. Our policy on Hamas remains clear: Hamas must agree to the Quartet Principles: renounce violence, recognise Israel and accept previously signed agreements. We expect to see credible movement towards these conditions, which remain the benchmark against which its intentions should be judged. We welcome the reconciliation agreement which will see the Palestinian Authority resume administrative control of Gaza, and are monitoring the situation closely.