§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Israel regarding restriction of fishing off the coast of the Gaza Strip in Occupied Palestinian Territories. [121665]
§ Mr. RammellThis Government have expressed our serious concerns to the Israeli Government about restrictions on the free movement of people and essential supplies in the Occupied Territories. We are concerned about the humanitarian and economic consequences of closures and curfews. Economic hardship and unemployment can only fuel hatred and violence and make a comprehensive settlement more difficult to achieve.
§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign 67W and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Israel concerning food shortages in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and the dependence on international aid. [121672]
§ Mr. RammellMy hon. Friend the then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Mike O'Brien) raised with Israel's Ambassador to London on 23 May concerns about restrictions imposed on foreign nationals trying to access the Gaza Strip, hindering UN and aid agencies' efforts to provide humanitarian aid. Officials in both London and Tel Aviv took similar action.
We continue to press the Government of Israel to meet its obligations as an occupying power under the Fourth Geneva Convention, including ensuring the provision of food and aid to those in need. We remain concerned about continuing restrictions on access to Gaza and the West Bank and their impact on humanitarian aid operations. We expect Israel to do all it can to ease the situation without delay. Easing restrictions on movement and halting the destruction of Palestinian infrastructure are essential to the recovery of the Palestinian economy and ending dependence on international aid.