§ Mr. LazarowiczTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Israeli Government concerning the effect of border restrictions on the ability of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency to distribute emergency food aid to refugees in the Gaza Strip. [171119]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienWe have made clear to the Israeli Charge in London and to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Israel, our view that the restrictions placed on UN Relief and Works Agency aid operations at Erez crossings are inconsistent with Israel's acknowledgement that humanitarian assistance should be provided to the Palestinian population. We have urged the Israeli Government to ensure aid agencies have clear guidelines concerning access to Gaza and that restrictions are significantly eased. The EU Presidency was lobbied along similar lines.