Source · Select Committees · International Development Committee
Recommendation 24
24
Accepted
Paragraph: 79
Push Israel to allow necessary aid into Gaza and protect healthcare workers and facilities.
Recommendation
Following the ruling by the International Court of Justice on 26 January, the UK Government must push Israel to allow the necessary aid into Gaza. The Committee has received no reassurance that healthcare workers and facilities are being protected, as is required under international humanitarian law, and the UK Government must insist that every measure is taken to offer this protection.
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the recommendation, stating the UK has long advocated for more aid into Gaza and the immediate release of hostages. The Prime Minister has directly communicated expectations to PM Netanyahu for immediate action to end aid restrictions, protect civilians, and repair infrastructure, while also underlining the need for Israel to ensure the safety of medical personnel and facilities.
Paragraph Reference:
79
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
Agree The Court’s call for the immediate release of hostages and to get more aid into Gaza is a position that the UK Government has long advocated. Far too many aid workers and ordinary civilians have lost their lives in Gaza and the situation is increasingly intolerable. The Prime Minister was clear when he spoke to PM Netanyahu on 2 April that the UK expects to see immediate action by Israel to end restrictions on humanitarian aid, deconflict with the UN and aid agencies, protect civilians and repair vital infrastructure like hospitals and water networks. We share the Committee’s concern that health care workers and facilities must be protected, as provided in IHL. The Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister have underlined the need for Israel to ensure effective deconfliction in Gaza, and to take all possible measures to ensure the safety of medical personnel and facilities. It is imperative that those doing life-saving work are properly protected and allowed full, unhindered access to conduct their work safely.