Written question asked by Baroness Tonge (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Howell of Guildford (Conservative) on Monday, 21 November 2011.

Gaza

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the ability of Hamas leaders to control the activities of Islamic Jihad in Gaza.

Answer: Since 2006 Hamas has been in effective control of Gaza. Hamas maintains the largest militia and benefits from profits from the illegal tunnel trade. Hamas therefore has significant influence over other militant groups and the onus is on it to prevent terrorist attacks in those areas where it exercises de facto authority. Following the rocket attacks on southern Israel launched by Palestinian Islamic Jihad on 26 October —1 November and the consequent international condemnation, we understand Hamas exerted efforts to persuade all militant groups to comply with a ceasefire, which has held since then.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 13246; 732 c191WA
Session: 2010-12
Subjects: Armed conflict Israel Palestine Middle East Gaza Hamas Islamic Jihad
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk