Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to help deescalate violence in Gaza.

On 10 May, the Minister of State for the Middle East, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, made clear the UK condemns the indiscriminate rocket fire from Gaza targeting innocent civilians in Israel, that attacks on civilians are unacceptable, and that violence must stop. The UK welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and militant factions in Gaza, brokered by Egypt. The ceasefire must now be honoured to prevent the loss of further civilian life. The UK will support all efforts to promote dialogue and create a pathway towards sustainable peace.