Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Israeli Hostages in Gaza

Tuesday 12 March 2024 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Bob Blackman questioned the Minister about the commitment to return hostages held in Gaza for over 100 days, to which the Minister affirmed the British Government's focus on their release through collaboration with international partners.
  • Nicola Richards inquired about urging the UN to document sexual violence against Jewish women, and the Minister responded that the UK aims to improve UN relationships and document atrocities for accountability.
  • Sarah Champion questioned whether Israel's actions during the ongoing conflict constitute a breach of international law, and the Minister stated that the UK judges Israel to have both the capacity and intent to adhere to international humanitarian law.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Foreign Affairs
Context

British hostages have been held captive for over 100 days. The New York Times reported that of the 134 hostages, 50 may have been killed. Israel has faced similar situations with hostage scenarios lasting over a decade.

Question

The hostages have been in captivity for more than 100 days. Given that 10 Israeli citizens have been in captivity in Gaza for more than 10 years, does my right hon. Friend the Minister agree that there must absolutely be a commitment to return the hostages before we can move to a humanitarian ceasefire?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

Yes, my hon. Friend is absolutely correct. It is a top focus of all parts of the British Government to try to get the hostages back. We are working closely with the US, Qatar and Egypt to secure their release.

Answered
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Q2 Nicola Richards
Women & Equalities Religion & Faith
Context

The UN published a report indicating systematic rape, gang rape, and genital mutilation of Israeli women and girls. Survivors distrust the UN enough to speak about their experiences.

Question

What will my right hon. Friend the Minister do to urge the UN to rebuild trust with victims and document sexual violence against Jewish women?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

We will do everything we can as a leading member of the United Nations to try to improve that relationship. We seek to document atrocities so people can be held accountable, no matter how long it takes.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify concrete actions or timelines for rebuilding trust with victims

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Q3 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Foreign Affairs
Context

Civilian casualties are high in the ongoing conflict. Sexual violence against women is a significant issue.

Question

What are our atrocity prevention team and preventing sexual violence team doing on the ground to document and stop atrocities?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

We seek to document atrocities so that people can be held accountable. Additional funding is specifically aimed at helping women who have experienced sexual violence.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify concrete actions or timelines for stopping atrocities on the ground

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Q4 Sarah Champion Lab Rotherham
Foreign Affairs Religion & Faith
Context

The conflict involves civilian casualties on both sides, raising questions about international law adherence.

Question

If Israel has the capacity to meet international law, is it not in breach of it given the ongoing conflict?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

The current judgment of the British Government is that Israel has both the capacity and intent to abide by international humanitarian law. We keep this under review.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm or deny breach, just stated ongoing review

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Q5 Andrew Gwynne Ind Gorton and Denton
Context

British hostages have been held captive by Hamas in Gaza.

Question

What steps is the Minister taking to support efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

We have been working tirelessly since 7 October to secure the release of all hostages, including British nationals. We work closely with partners like the US, Qatar and Egypt.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific actions or commitments beyond general statement

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