To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Israeli government to allow unimpeded access to Gaza for food, fuel and medical supplies; and if he will make a statement. (262702)

We are very keenly aware that the reconstruction of Gaza needs more than pledges of aid. The aid needs to get in; it needs to be well spent; and then it needs to be sustained. The Government continue to call on the Israeli Government to improve access and to relax tough restrictions on the type of goods that are allowed across the border.

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary reiterated this message during the reconstruction conference in Sharm El-Sheikh on 2 March 2009 as did the International Development Secretary during his visit to Gaza on 1 March 2009. Both have raised the issue directly with Israeli Minister of Welfare and Social Services Isaac Herzog.