ISRAEL
Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Israeli Government on discriminatory water supply policies in the Jordan Valley. [107724]
Alistair Burt MP; Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State: I refer my right hon. Friend to my answer of 23 April 2012, Official Report, column 760W.
Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the International Committee of the Red Cross on the humanitarian needs of Palestinian prisoners in Israel. [107725]
Alistair Burt : We hold regular discussions with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on the humanitarian needs of Palestinian prisoners in Israel, which remains an issue of significant concern to the UK Government. The British embassy in Tel Aviv and consulate general in Jerusalem keep in close contact with the ICRC Head of Delegation on these issues.
The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), issued a public statement on 16 May welcoming the agreement reached to end the mass hunger strike by Palestinian prisoners. We have commended all sides, including the Palestinian Authority, the prisoners' representatives, the Egyptian authorities and the Israeli Government for their roles in finding a solution that prevents loss of life. We particularly welcome Israel's agreement to limit the use of administrative detention and solitary confinement, and to reinstate family visits for detainees.
Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Israeli Government on the ending of restrictions on exports from Gaza. [107726]
Alistair Burt : We are clear that Israeli restrictions on movements of goods and people do serious damage to the economy and living standards of ordinary people in Gaza. The current situation fosters radicalisation and empowers Hamas. An improved economy is not only essential for the people of Gaza, but firmly in Israel's security interests. In close co-ordination with our EU partners and the Office of the Quartet Representative, we continue to press the Israeli Government at ministerial and official level to ease access restrictions.
I most recently raised this issue with Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Ayalon on 18 January 2012. The British ambassador to Tel Aviv also raised the issue with Prime Minister Netanyahu's Chief Negotiator, Yitzhak Molcho, and the Israeli Co-ordinator of Government Activity in the Territories, General Dangot, in March.
The EU, with the full support of the UK, called on Israel to lift restrictions on Gaza in the Foreign Affairs Council conclusions issued on 14 May 2012: