Gaza

Ann McKechin
12. To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the political situation in Gaza.

Dr. Howells
We are concerned by the recent violence in Gaza, and call on all parties to restore order to the streets. There is a pressing need to re-open Gaza’s crossings for people and goods.

We remain concerned by the humanitarian situation in Gaza. During 2007, the UK gave over £31 million in aid to the Palestinians. In December, we pledged $500 million over the next three years, and we were pleased at the response of the governments that attended the post-Annapolis Donors’ Conference in Paris before Christmas when $7 billion was pledged.