Written question asked by Lord Hylton (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Tunnicliffe (Labour) on Thursday, 2 April 2009.

Gaza

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will discuss with the government of Egypt the opening of the Rafah crossing, so as to allow access to Gaza for the transport of materials for reconstruction.

Answer: Rafah has limited capacity and the present agreement between the Egyptian authorities and the authorities in Gaza is for people only to cross into and out of Gaza. Due to this the UK Government have not raised the issue of the transport of materials for reconstruction through the Rafah crossing with the Egyptian Government. The UK Government continue to press the Israeli Government for improved access and for a relaxation of restrictions on the type of goods that are allowed across the border from Israel into Gaza.

Secondary information