To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations his Department has made to the Government of Israel about the denial of travel authorisation to Palestinian residents referred for medical treatment outside the Gaza Strip. (184286)

According to the World Health Organisation, 216 patients crossed from Gaza to Israel/the West Bank for further treatment via the Erez crossing, which remained open for this purpose, between 18 and 28 January. The UK believes that there is an urgent and pressing need to overcome the obstacles to re-opening all of Gaza’s crossings, for humanitarian goods, trade and people. We are concerned about the lack of access to proper medical care and the difficulty in leaving Gaza to receive treatment. The Quartet (US, EU, UN and Russia) has expressed serious concern over the continued closure of major crossing points. The UN is actively involved in trying to find a solution. The EU has called

“on all parties to work towards an opening of the crossings in and out of Gaza”.

On 17 January, I raised these concerns with the Israeli ambassador. Our embassy in Tel Aviv also continues to raise our concerns on a regular basis. On 21 January, my right hon. Friends the Foreign Secretary and Secretary of State for International Development voiced their concerns. In a joint statement, they stated:

“We do not support Israel’s decision to close all crossings to Gaza”.

On 24 January, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary called Foreign Minister Livni and reiterated these concerns.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip in halting rocket attacks on Israeli territory. (184287)

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has made it clear in a joint statement with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development on 21 January that:

“Israeli security and justice for Palestinians will not be achieved by cutting off fuel or by firing rockets. Both sides have a responsibility to support the Peace Process launched at Annapolis. The situation on the ground is an important part of this. Palestinian security efforts and Israel’s reopening of the Gaza crossings need to support each other and the drive for a long-term peace”.