Written question asked by Robert Courts (Conservative) on Friday, 1 December 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 6 December 2023 (named day). It was answered by David Rutley (Conservative) on Wednesday, 6 December 2023 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Gaza: Israel

Question: To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what recent discussions he has had with his Israeli counterparts on reports on the presence of a tunnel beneath Al-Shifa Hospital.

Answer: The UK cannot comment on specific reports. However, it is clear that Hamas has put Palestinians at grave risk by embedding themselves in the civilian population and using civilians as human shields. The Foreign Secretary visited Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories on 23 November, where he met President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and other senior Israeli interlocutors to discuss the conflict. We are also clear that, in pursuing its legitimate right to self-defence against Hamas, Israel's military actions in Gaza must be carried out in accordance with International Humanitarian Law and Israel must take all possible measures to protect civilians.

Secondary information