Written question asked by Earl of Sandwich (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Tunnicliffe (Labour) on Thursday, 26 March 2009.

Gaza

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will ask the Government of Israel to lift the embargo on construction materials and other goods entering Gaza to enable the rebuilding of houses and services.

Answer: Access for much-needed materials will be critical for early recovery and reconstruction to take place in Gaza. Following the Secretary of State's visit to Gaza on 1 March, he met Isaac Herzog, the Israeli Minister responsible for co-ordinating aid to Gaza, and pressed for improved access and a relaxation of restrictions on the type of goods that are allowed across the border. The Foreign Secretary has also pressed Isaac Herzog on the need for improved access, and the Prime Minister recently wrote to Prime Minister Olmert on this issue. In the last month officials from both the Department for International Development and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office have had meetings with the Israeli Government on the need for greater access.

Secondary information