To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on how many occasions a Minister from his Department has visited Gaza to assess the (a) human rights and (b) political situation there since the conflict in Gaza began; and if he will make a statement. (311398)

I have been asked to reply.

The Secretary of State for International Development visited Gaza on 1 March 2009. During his visit to the region he met with Israeli officials and discussed issues around access for humanitarian aid and reconstruction materials. Officials for the Department for International Development (DFID) visit Gaza frequently, and meet with other organisations and agencies who work in Gaza. The Secretary of State is kept up-to-date with all aspects of the situation in Gaza including human rights and the political environment.