Written question asked by Lord Ahmed (Non-affiliated) on Wednesday, 1 November 2017, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 November 2017. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Wednesday, 15 November 2017 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Israel: Palestinians

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the prospect for improvements in Israeli–Palestinian relations as a result of the reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah.

Answer: We welcome progression to the reconciliation agreement, which will see the Palestinian Authority (PA) resume administrative control of Gaza, and we are monitoring the situation closely. We are clear that any future Palestinian government must comply with the Quartet Principles: renounce violence, recognise Israel, and accept previously signed agreements. We support the PA, as the legitimate Palestinian leadership, in realising self-determination through an independent, sovereign, and unified Palestinian state encompassing the West Bank and Gaza.

Secondary information