Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the President of the United States regarding Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza since President Biden’s comments on 12 December that Israel was "losing support" globally over its "indiscriminate" bombing of Gaza.

During his visit to the US, the Foreign Secretary said we stand united in the Middle East, working together to ensure long-term security and stability in the region. He met with Secretary of State Blinken and other senior US government officials where he discussed getting humanitarian aid into Gaza and how the UK and US can work towards enabling a long-term two-state solution. The Prime Minister has repeatedly stressed to Israeli leaders that they must abide by International Humanitarian Law and take every effort to protect civilians. The UK is deeply concerned by the high loss of civilian life in Gaza and widespread destruction. Israel does have the right to defend itself against terror, restore its security and bring the hostages home within the bounds of International Humanitarian Law.