To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations she has made to the Government of Israel on the seizure of the Palestinian Education Minister and elected parliamentarians. (140570)

We are concerned by the arrest of the Hamas members on 23 May. Our ambassador in Tel Aviv raised our concerns with Israeli Foreign Minister Livni on 28 May. We have called for all those detained to be either released or subject to the due legal process.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of the likely impact of the seizure by Israel of the Palestinian Education Minister and elected parliamentarians on the prospects for peace in the Middle East. (140571)

We are concerned by the arrest of the Hamas members on 23 May. Our ambassador in Tel Aviv raised our concerns with Israeli Foreign Minister Livni on 28 May. We have called for all those detained to be either released or subject to the due legal process.

We are very concerned by the on-going violence that is hindering current progress on the peace process. We are concerned by the situation inside Gaza for Palestinian civilians and the situation in Sderot. We welcome Palestinian President Abbas’ efforts to restore calm and hope that both sides can exercise restraint. Continuing violence in Gaza and the humanitarian situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories underlines the need for the current on-going political processes. We welcome the fortnightly discussions between Israeli Prime Minister Olmert and President Abbas as well as US Secretary of State Rice’s recent efforts and those of the Arab League.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports she has received on the arrest by Israel and subsequent release of Nasser al Shaer in 2006; and if she will make a statement. (140572)

Nasser al Shaer was first arrested in June 2006 while serving as deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister in the Hamas Government. He was released later in September 2006. On 23 May, he was arrested with two Hamas Palestinian Legislative Council members. Our Ambassador in Tel Aviv raised our concerns with Israeli Foreign Minister Livni on 28 May. We have called for all those detained to be either released or subject to the due legal process.