In Foreign and Commonwealth Questions, FCO Minister Rt. Hon. Mark Field MP urged that Hamas must “renounce violence, recognise Israel and accept previously agreed and signed agreements”.
Speaking in response to a question from Independent Group MP Rt. Hon. Joan Ryan, Minister Field said: “Our position is that Hamas must renounce violence, recognise Israel and accept previously agreed and signed agreements. We condemn Hamas and other terrorist groups for firing rockets into Israel from not only Gaza but elsewhere… Those groups must permanently end such attacks against both civilians and defence forces”.
Conservative MPs raised concerns about rocket attacks on Israel and Hamas-run protests on the Gaza border.
Guto Bebb MP condemned the attack of over 60 rockets fired at Israel last month by terrorists in Gaza, destroying home of British-Israeli family. He asked what steps the Government is taking in order to “support our ally Israel as they fight this terrorist attack on the country”.
Mr Field said that Israel is an “important strategic partner for the United Kingdom, adding “we need to collaborate actively on issues of defence, security and intelligence”. He said: “In October 2018, the Government launched the UK-Israel counter-terrorism dialogue to share best practice and insights on a wide range of capabilities. We are now committed to holding such a dialogue annually, which will help to complement the already strong operational relationship between our countries”.
CFI Officer Bob Blackman MP asked what action the Government has taken in relation to the Hamas-run protests on Gaza border, “given that Hamas are organising women and children to go to the border”.
Read the transcript in full here.
