Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs written question – answered at on 26 November 2012.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the effect of the continued blockade of Gaza on the middle east peace process.
A lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict must be a solution that includes Gaza.
We have been clear that there is a need for Israel to further ease its restrictions on Gaza. These restrictions have been estimated as costing the Palestinian economy up to 85% of its Gross Domestic Product every year.
While we will never underestimate the security needs of Israel, with unemployment in Gaza at 26%, private sector business there at risk of collapse, and Hamas profiting from smuggled goods through the tunnels, there is an urgent need to reopen Gaza's access to its traditional markets in the West Bank and Israel. An improved economy is not only essential for the people of Gaza, but firmly in Israel's security interests.
We are clear that more needs to be done, including on easing restrictions on exports, construction material imports and the movement of people. The UK will continue to work alongside our EU partners with Israel to achieve the real changes on the ground that we are looking for.
The UK's goal is a negotiated two-state solution, resulting in a sovereign and viable Palestinian state living alongside a secure and universally recognised Israel. We will continue to be one of the principal supporters of Palestinian state-building efforts, assisting them to tackle poverty, build institutions and boost their economy.
Yes1 person thinks so
No0 people think not
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