Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their response to the threat by a senior Israeli minister that the Israeli authorities will assassinate Hamas leaders.

We are not aware of the specific threat referenced. To have the best chance of success, the Middle East Peace Process must be conducted in an atmosphere free from violence. We press the parties to refrain from actions which make peace more difficult. We have also been clear that Hamas must reject violence, recognise Israel and abide by previous agreements.