To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effects of the restrictions on access into Gaza of aid and reconstruction materials on the prospects for progress in negotiations on peace in the Middle East; and if he will make a statement. (311403)

The UK remains extremely concerned by the Gaza border restrictions imposed by the Israeli Government and continues to call for those restrictions to be eased further. We, along with our international allies, will continue to work for peace in the Middle East. It is imperative to create hope and a vision of Israel and a viable Palestinian State living as neighbours in peace and security.