Written question asked by Matthew Offord (Conservative) on Wednesday, 17 May 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 22 May 2023. It was answered by David Rutley (Conservative) on Friday, 26 May 2023 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Israel: Palestinian Islamic Jihad

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions with his international counterparts on the implications for the Middle East peace process of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group firing rockets towards Israel.

Answer: We continue to closely monitor the security situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs). The UK has proscribed Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) as a terrorist entity since March 2001. PIJ and other terrorist groups must cease all actions that are violent or provocative, or that put civilian lives at risk. The UK condemns the indiscriminate rocket fire from Gaza targeting innocent civilians in Israel and welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and militant factions in Gaza, brokered by Egypt, following the recent round of conflict. The ceasefire must now be honoured to prevent the loss of further civilian life. The UK will support all efforts to promote dialogue and create a pathway towards sustainable peace.

Secondary information