Middle East

Jim Sheridan (Paisley and Renfrewshire, North) (Lab)
9. What his latest assessment is of the humanitarian situation in Gaza; and if he will make a statement.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development (Mr. Michael Foster)
I refer my hon. Friend to my previous answer.

Jim Sheridan
My hon. Friend will be aware that the Israeli blockade is causing extreme problems for people in Gaza. Cement supplies have been held up in the blockade, but how can people reconstruct and build their houses if they cannot get those materials?

Mr. Foster
My hon. Friend makes a valid point. The United Nations believes that only 25 types of relief out of the some 4,000 that are needed in Gaza are actually getting through the crossings, and construction materials are essential if we are to rebuild Gaza city.