Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what recent discussions he has had with his international counterparts on securing the release of hostages from Gaza.

The UK Government has been working with partners across the region to secure the release of hostages, including British nationals and their families.

We have been clear that the release of all the hostages is one of the vital elements for a lasting peace and the Foreign Secretary has reiterated that Hamas must send the hostages home and bring to an end the horrific ordeal of those currently being held.

The UK Government continues to call for an immediate humanitarian pause now to allow for the release of hostages.