Written question asked by Jonathan Djanogly (Conservative) on Wednesday, 22 November 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 27 November 2023. It was answered by David Rutley (Conservative) on Friday, 1 December 2023 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Middle East: Hamas

Question: To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what recent discussions he has had with his Middle Eastern counterparts on the threat to regional security and stability posed by Hamas.

Answer: Since Hamas' abhorrent terrorist attacks on 7 October, the Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary, and the Minister of State for the Middle East have spoken to counterparts from more than 20 countries as part of extensive diplomatic efforts to prevent regional escalation and to sustain the prospect of peace and stability in the Middle East. On 22 November the Foreign Secretary hosted Islamic and Arab leaders in London to discuss the Israel/Gaza conflict and on 24 November, the Foreign Secretary travelled to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories to engage with leaders from the Palestinian Authority and the Government of Israel. Ministers also continue to focus on opposing any attempts by malign actors to cause further escalation in the region.

Secondary information