Oral Answers to Questions

Bob Blackman Excerpts

Tuesday 12th March 2024 Commons Chamber

[Nicola Richards (West Bromwich East) (Con)]

16. What steps his Department is taking to help secure the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza.

[Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con)]

17. What steps he is taking to support efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

[The Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Mr Andrew Mitchell)]

We have been working tirelessly to secure the release of all hostages, including British nationals, since 7 October.

[Mr Mitchell]

The world very much needs the United Nations, and I completely recognise the position that my hon. Friend so eloquently describes. We will do everything we can as a leading member of the United Nations—one of the P5—to try to improve that relationship. On the appalling events of October 7, which she described, we are doing everything we can to try to help, as I set out earlier.

[Bob Blackman]

The hostages have been in captivity for more than 100 days. The New York Times has reported that of the 134 hostages still in captivity, 50 may have been killed. Given that 10 Israeli citizens have been in captivity in Gaza for more than 10 years, does my right hon. Friend the Minister agree that there must absolutely be a commitment to return the hostages before we can move to a humanitarian ceasefire?

[Mr Mitchell]

Yes, my hon. Friend is absolutely correct. He sets out the position extremely well. It is a top focus of all parts of the British Government to try to get the hostages back, as I set out earlier. The Prime Minister and the International Court of Justice have called for their immediate release. Although I cannot give a running commentary, we are working closely with the US, Qatar and Egypt to secure their release.