Written question asked by Lord Hylton (Crossbench) on Wednesday, 25 September 2019, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 9 October 2019. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Monday, 7 October 2019 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Gaza: Israel

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they intend to make to the government of Israel about the situation of stateless female cancer patients in Gaza who require specialist treatment in Israel.

Answer: Our Embassy in Tel Aviv regularly raises the matter of medical permits with the Israeli authorities. Israeli restrictions severely restrict the movement of medical professionals, patients and families from Gaza, hampering the provision of quality health services, as well as impacting Palestinians in the West Bank. The situation in Gaza is particularly acute, and is compounded by frequent closure by Egypt of the Rafah crossing, preventing urgent medical cases from seeking treatment in Egypt. A lasting resolution to the situation is needed that will ensure that all those who are in need of medical attention and their families have unimpeded access to healthcare provisions.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL17807
Session: 2017-19
Subjects: Cancer Medical treatments Patients Travel restrictions Israel Gaza
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk