Foreign Office Minister Lord Ahmad this week underlined that the Hamas terrorist group in Gaza must “renounce violence, recognise Israel and accept previously signed agreements”.
Lord Ahmad was responding to a written question by Baroness Tonge on what assessment the Government have made of reports that Hamas leaders have offered Israel a ceasefire in exchange for the lifting of the Gaza blockade.
He said: “While we have not made any assessment of this issue, we have been clear that we believe that a durable ceasefire agreement should ensure that Hamas and other terrorist groups permanently end rocket fire and other terrorist attacks against Israel, and that all terrorist groups in Gaza should disarm”.
Lord Ahmad emphasised: “Our policy on Hamas remains clear: Hamas must renounce violence, recognise Israel and accept previously signed agreements. Hamas must make credible movement towards these conditions, which remain the benchmark against which its intentions should be judged”.
