To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Government of (a) Israel and (b) Egypt on the transport of goods into Gaza through crossing points. (286842)

The UK is extremely concerned with the current humanitarian situation in Gaza. It is vital that aid reaches the people in who need it. We will continue to press the Israeli Government into easing border restrictions and ensuring there is better humanitarian access into the area. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary made this clear in his meeting with the Israeli Defence Minister—Ehud Barak on 6 July 2009 and also in his conversation with Israeli Foreign Minister—Avigdor Lieberman on 30 June 2009.

My predecessor, my hon. Friend the Member for Harlow (Bill Rammell), raised the issue of access through the Rafah crossing for humanitarian aid providers with the Egyptian Government when he was in Egypt on 21 May 2009. The Egyptian Government have told us that all aid to Gaza from Egypt should be channelled through the Egyptian Red Crescent.