Middle East

Part of the debate – in Westminster Hall at 3:44 pm on 7 June 2006.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Geoff Hoon Geoff Hoon Minister of State (Europe), Foreign & Commonwealth Office 3:44, 7 June 2006

We welcome any practical way of furthering dialogue and understanding. If my hon. Friend would care to write to me or the Minister directly responsible, we can consider that in more detail.

We welcome President Abbas's call on the Hamas Government to endorse the prisoners' accord. Their doing so would be a step in the right direction towards meeting the Quartet's three principles.

The UK, along with most of the international donor community, continues to provide assistance to the Palestinian people. Along with our EU partners, we have a strong record of support for the Palestinian people. On 25 April, the Department for International Development announced a £15 million payment to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. The UK alone has given £147 million to the Palestinian people since 2001, and we continue to be one of their largest donors.