§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will make a statement on the situation in Gaza, with particular reference to the movement of food into the area. [165823]
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Hilary BeninThe Government and our EU partners are seriously concerned about the new restrictions placed on the entry of humanitarian goods and services to Gaza, and have made strong representations to the Israeli Government to ease the situation. While DFID respects Israel's legitimate security needs, it is essential that these are addressed in a manner which minimises interference with the work of international organisations, humanitarian bodies and diplomats. 600,000 Palestinian refugees in the Gaza Strip are dependent on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency's food aid programme. This programme has been suspended as a consequence of current Israeli restrictions. Until the situation is resolved it will cause further suffering for communities struggling to cope with prolonged economic hardship.