Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking (1) to secure a ceasefire, and (2) to press for an investigation by the International Criminal Court of violations of international humanitarian law, in Gaza.

The UK wants to see an end to the fighting in Gaza as soon as possible. We are calling for an immediate humanitarian pause to get aid in and hostages out, and as a vital first step towards building a sustainable, permanent ceasefire, without a return to destruction, fighting and loss of life. But to achieve that:

• Hamas must agree to the release of all hostages.
• Hamas must no longer be in charge of Gaza - and the threat from Hamas terror and rocket attacks must end.
• An agreement must be in place for the Palestinian Authority to return to Gaza in order to provide governance, services and security.

Regarding the involvement of the International Criminal Court (ICC), the UK is a strong supporter of ICC and we respect its independence.