Asked by: Mike Tapp (Labour - Dover and Deal)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of (a) the level of terrorist activity in the West Bank and (b) Iran's support for terrorism in the West Bank through weapons smuggling.
Answered by Hamish Falconer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK remains concerned by the threat of terrorism in the West Bank and strongly condemns all acts of terrorism. Stability in the West Bank is crucial to ensure any ceasefire in Gaza can last. All sides should work to ensure a lowering of tension in the West Bank at this time. The UK is seriously concerned by the expansion of Israel's operations in the West Bank. We recognise Israel's security concerns, but it must show restraint and ensure its operations are commensurate to the threat posed. The UK has also been clear that Hamas cannot play a role in the future of Gaza. The UK is clear that all parties in Gaza must re-engage with negotiations to get hostages out and secure a permanent end to this conflict.
Iran's long-standing support for terrorist groups across the Middle East, including those active in the West Bank, destabilises the region and jeopardises international security. The Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary have made clear to their Iranian counterparts that Iran must restrain these groups and cease providing them with support.
Asked by: Mike Tapp (Labour - Dover and Deal)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent steps his Department has taken to help disrupt Iran’s support for (a) Hamas, (b) Hezbollah and (c) the Houthis.
Answered by Hamish Falconer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister made clear to their Iranian counterparts that Iran must cease its support for its proxies and partners during recent calls. We will continue to work alongside international partners to hold Iran to account for its escalatory behaviour through its support for its proxies and partners in the Middle East and its attempts to undermine global security. On 2 September, the UK imposed sanctions against four Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) -Quds Force targets who have a role in supporting Iranian proxy actions. Furthermore, the UK has proscribed Lebanese Hezbollah and Hamas. The IRGC and Houthis are sanctioned in their entirety.