Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Lord Turnberg (Labour) on Wednesday, 30 April 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 15 May 2025. It was answered by Lord Collins of Highbury (Labour) on Friday, 30 May 2025 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Hamas: Hostage Taking

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what information they have about the condition of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas; and what assessment they have made of reports that the hostages are being denied medical care.

Answer

Reports of the mistreatment of the hostages held by Hamas, as set out by released hostages such as Eli Sharabi, are deeply concerning. We continue to call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, including Avinatan Or, Shay Levinson, and Yossi Sharabi who have strong links to the UK.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has consistently shared that it hasn't been permitted access to hostages. The UK reaffirms our support for the ICRC as the only humanitarian actor with the experience, capability, independence and mandate to carry out their important responsibilities. We have reiterated our call for the ICRC to be granted unfettered and immediate access to the hostages in Gaza and Palestinian detainees to deliver on their independent visiting role, as enshrined within the 1949 Geneva Conventions. The ICRC has been facilitating the handover of hostages and the delivery of aid into Gaza.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL7098
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Health services Hostage taking Gaza Israel Hamas
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk