Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light of the reported death of a four month old infant from exposure in Gaza, what action they are taking to ensure that reconstruction is allowed to take place in Gaza.

We are supporting the temporary Gaza Reconstruction Mechanism to facilitate the import of construction materials into Gaza. Almost 35,000 people have now been able to buy materials to repair their homes. There is still more to do, but this mechanism is a step in the right direction. However, a more comprehensive lifting of restrictions as part of a political agreement is the only long-term solution.