5. How is the Welsh Government supporting families in Wales affected by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East? OQ60974

Thank you for the question. We remain deeply concerned about the ongoing conflict, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and the wider impacts in the region. We continue to work closely with Jewish and Muslim leaders to support community cohesion and ensure that any victims of hate can continue to get support through the Wales Hate Support Centre.

I'm grateful to the First Minister for that response. My question follows question 2 earlier. I think it's worth us reflecting on what happened to Gill and Pete Brisley from Pencoed. Their daughter, Lianne, lived in Kibbutz Be'eri in southern Israel. The family had two daughters, Yahel, aged 16, and Noiya, aged 13. On 7 October, Lianne was murdered. She was murdered along with both her daughters, Yahel and Noiya. Her husband was taken hostage by Hamas. His brother, Yossi, was also taken hostage that morning. We now know that Yossi was murdered by Hamas whilst in captivity. The whereabouts and status of Eli is still unknown.

The family have been through a brutalising and tragic and horrific experience on 7 October, and we've seen since then the heartbreaking scenes that have unfolded across the middle east, and the impact on people here in Wales. Other Members have expressed that already this afternoon. I've discussed these issues with Huw Irranca-Davies, the local Member for the family, and also I know that Chris Elmore, the MP for the area, has also been active, supporting the family. Would it be possible, First Minister, for you to meet this family, who've been through such a brutal experience, and to look at how we as a Senedd and yourselves as a Welsh Government can provide support for people who have been through these experiences and continue to pray for the safe return of their son-in-law?

I think this painfully highlights the very real human impact of what happened not just on 7 October but what has taken place since then as well, and the images that we've all seen on such an appallingly regular basis. You don't need to be a parent to understand the real human tragedy and impact that is unfolding.

I'm pleased that the Member has mentioned that these are constituents of Huw Irranca-Davies. Of course, he is not in a position to ask me questions at this point. I'll be more than happy to work with Alun Davies and Huw Irranca-Davies to understand what practical support we might be able to provide to the family and then to see if this is an individual circumstance where that support may be required, or whether actually there is a wider opportunity to better support people directly affected by the conflict. I know from my own experience in my own Constituency that I have families directly affected on all sides of the conflict. So, this isn't just an issue that has taken place somewhere else. There is a real impact in communities right across our own country, which is why we do need to continue to take an interest; even though we're not decision makers in the conflict, we have to deal with the consequences of what is happening and how we properly support our own citizens. We're more than happy to take up that conversation purposefully with the constituency Member and the family, bearing in mind it's also been raised in a previous question by a different Member as well.

Prif Weinidog, this role affords us many opportunities, and the opportunity to hear the Brisleys share their story of the devastating murder of their daughter and two granddaughters in the 7 October attacks carried out by Hamas terrorists is one of the most powerful and poignant events that I've experienced in my time as a Member of this place. It was a privilege to co-sponsor the event with the Member for Blaenau Gwent, and, as he mentioned, the Brisleys' son-in-law Eli remains a hostage, and I'm sure the whole Chamber wishes for his safe and speedy release.

Now, while the Brisleys heard and had correspondence from the Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary and the Home Secretary, they received nothing from the Welsh Government, which, as a Welshman, for me, is a source of regret. Will you confirm to meet with the Brisleys and any other families who have loved ones caught up in the conflict in the middle east?

I think what is most important, really, is how we properly support people directly affected. I'm not aware that the Welsh Government has had correspondence from the Brisley family; I know there's been direct contact with Chris Elmore, and I know that the Senedd Member here has had contact with the family in the way that we provide that supportive work. So, I want to understand what contact there has been, and, indeed, how we ensure that ongoing support is appropriate and co-ordinated with and for the family. I think that's the right way forward. And, bearing in mind what I've said to the Member for Blaenau Gwent about wanting to have a purposive way forward that supports the family, to understand not just their individual circumstances, but how we better support people who will undoubtedly be directly affected, is the right way forward.