Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the role played by Hamas; and what working relations they have with its government in Gaza.

The British Government's assessment of Hamas, is that they must renounce violence, recognise Israel and accept previously signed agreements. Hamas must make credible movement towards these conditions, which remain the benchmark against which its intentions should be judged. We do not have any direct contact with Hamas.