Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Hostages in Gaza

Tuesday 26 November 2024 · 4 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government is working with international allies to urge hostage releases and return to negotiations.
  • The Security Council failed to adopt a text for a ceasefire and hostage releases due to a permanent member's negative vote.
  • No humanitarian organizations have been granted access to the hostages held by Hamas.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 John Lamont Con Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Foreign Affairs
Context

Hamas holds hostages including British national Emily Damari and other nationals. Efforts to secure their release have not been successful.

Question

What diplomatic steps is the government taking with international counterparts to help secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza? The horrors endured by 97 Israelis and foreign nationals for over 13 months are unthinkable, and efforts to bring home Emily Damari have stalled. What further steps will be taken?

Answer from Hamish Falconer

The Government continues to work alongside allies and partners in the region, urging all parties to return to negotiations for hostage releases. We are disappointed that talks have stalled but remain committed to securing the release of hostages through diplomatic channels.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps or commitments not provided

How: We Continue To Work Alongside, Remain Committed

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Q2 John Lamont Con Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Foreign Affairs
Context

A text for an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and demands for hostage releases was voted down by a permanent member of the UN Security Council. The UK supported this resolution.

Question

The Security Council failed to adopt a text calling for a ceasefire and hostage releases due to a negative vote from a permanent member. What are the Government's next steps to achieve global agreement on securing peace, a ceasefire and hostage release?

Answer from Hamish Falconer

The Government continues to press for a ceasefire, hostage releases, and reduced violence in the Middle East through various diplomatic channels including G7 discussions and talks with Israeli counterparts.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions or steps not detailed

How: Continue To Take All Steps, Discussed These Matters

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Q3 Polly Billington Lab East Thanet
Context

No organization has had humanitarian access to the hostages held by Hamas. Families of hostages are suffering unimaginable horrors.

Question

Have any aid organizations been granted humanitarian access to the hostages? If not, what pressure is being exerted on these agencies for such access?

Answer from Hamish Falconer

No organization has had access to the hostages. We continue to call for Red Cross and other NGOs to gain access, but Hamas is not abiding by international norms or conventions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific pressure tactics not provided

How: Continue To Call, Not Abiding

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Q4 Priti Patel Con Witham
Context

Families of hostages are suffering unimaginable horrors. The welfare concerns of the hostages need to be addressed.

Question

Have any aid organizations been granted humanitarian access to the hostages? If not, what pressure is being exerted on these agencies for such access?

Answer from Hamish Falconer

No organization has had access to the hostages. We continue to call for Red Cross and other NGOs to gain access, but Hamas is not abiding by international norms or conventions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific pressure tactics not provided

How: Continue To Call, Not Abiding

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