Written question asked by Baroness Tonge (Independent Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 1 June 2015, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 June 2015. It was answered by Baroness Anelay of St Johns (Conservative) on Tuesday, 9 June 2015 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Gaza

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have held with the government of Israel concerning the recent economic monitoring report by the World Bank regarding the economy of Gaza; and what steps they are taking to address the high level of youth unemployment in Gaza.

Answer: While we have not discussed this specific report by the World Bank with the Government of Israel, we continue to stress to the Israeli authorities the damage that their restrictions are doing to the living standards of ordinary Palestinians in Gaza and that supporting legal trade for Gazans is firmly in Israel’s long-term interests.

The Department for International Development’s current work on Gaza addresses the key access constraints, promotes economic growth and provides support to the poorest and most vulnerable parts of society.

Secondary information