Release of Hostages 2023-12-12
2023-12-12
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern over the treatment and release of British hostages held by Hamas, with reports of physical and sexual violence.
I thank my right hon. Friend for that answer. The hostages who have been released report sexual and physical violence committed against them while in captivity. The Israeli Health Ministry reports that hostages were drugged to make them look happy. Does my right hon. Friend agree that Hamas are treating hostages in an inhumane fashion, the international Red Cross should be given the opportunity to visit them all, and we should ensure that they are returned home as soon as possible?
My hon. Friend is quite right about the rights of the international Red Cross. We are involved in intensive diplomatic efforts to secure the release of the hostages. It is continually raised by the Prime Minister, who met families of British people taken hostage by Hamas and of other hostages during his trip to Israel.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific agreements or actions regarding Red Cross visits not addressed
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
Previous UN resolution supporting a ceasefire in Gaza, contrasted with current diplomatic efforts to secure hostage release.
I wholeheartedly support the calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all the remaining hostages held by Hamas and other groups. However, further to the Minister's response to my hon. Friend the Member for South Shields (Mrs Lewell-Buck), I refer him to UN resolution 1860 of 2009, when the UK supported a ceasefire in Gaza and a permanent ceasefire followed a few days later.
The hon. Lady will be well aware of the view of the Government and, indeed, of the Opposition Front Bench, on the possibility of a ceasefire at this time, which we simply do not think exists. On the earlier events that she refers to, the situation then was very different from the one that pertains today.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Russian dual national Vladimir Kara-Murza jailed and poisoned for criticising the war in Ukraine, treated as a hostage by Putin regime.
On the issue of hostage taking, the British-Russian dual national Vladimir Kara-Murza was jailed and poisoned by the Putin regime for criticising the war in Ukraine. He is a de facto hostage of the regime. I have just met his mother, who is in Parliament today. Will the Minister arrange for me to meet the Foreign Secretary with his relatives to hear about the conditions and torture he has been subject to?
I am advised that Ministers have met the family, but I will see what I can do to facilitate a meeting, as my right hon. Friend requests.
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Assessment & feedback
Facilitating a meeting not fully committed
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Previous releases of small numbers of hostages due to temporary pauses in Israeli response, suggesting wider understanding needed for future efforts.
Small numbers of hostages have been released in the past as a result of pauses in the response by the Israeli authorities. Will the Minister undertake to ensure that there is wider understanding, both here and internationally, that those pauses are best activated whenever Hamas does not take advantage of them and again embed themselves in hospitals and civilian populations?
The hon. Gentleman is right to emphasise the importance of humanitarian pauses, and preferably humanitarian pauses that are several days long. We are doing everything we can to try to ensure that the case for humanitarian pauses, and the ability that would result of getting aid, support and supplies into Gaza, is achieved.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific undertaking not provided
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Steps being taken to secure the release of hostages, with international cooperation.
What steps he is taking to help secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.
We are working with international and regional partners to secure the release of hostages, including British nationals.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps not detailed
Response accuracy