Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Jim Devine (Labour). It was answered on Wednesday, 2 December 2009 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Gaza

Question: Is it not time that the international community got together and took sanctions against Israel for its behaviour?

Answer: I think that there is wide recognition on both sides of the House that continued humanitarian efforts are needed to support the people of Gaza and, indeed, the west bank, given the difficulties that currently afflict them. Equally, however, most hon. Members recognise that ultimately the resolution in the middle east lies in politics. I believe that the challenge at the moment is to get behind the efforts being made—I am glad to say—by President Barack Obama and his team, in the first year of his presidency, to support and facilitate the emergence of a comprehensive middle east peace plan. That seems to be the most effective way in which we can buttress the humanitarian work on which we are engaged.

Secondary information