Written question asked by David Reed (Conservative) on Monday, 10 February 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 13 February 2025 (named day). It was answered by Hamish Falconer (Labour) on Thursday, 13 February 2025 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Hamas: Hostage Taking

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with the International Committee of the Red Cross on its role in hostage handovers conducted by Hamas.

Answer: We are in regular contact with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) which is facilitating the handover of hostages and the delivery of aid into Gaza. The UK reaffirms its support for the ICRC as the only humanitarian actor with the experience, capability, independence and mandate to carry out its important responsibilities. We believe it is critical that the ICRC is given regular access to the hostages, to fulfil its independent visiting role, as enshrined within the 1949 Geneva Conventions.

Secondary information