At today’s Private Notice Question on the ceasefire in Gaza, Foreign Office Minister Lord Collins of Highbury confirmed the Government’s view that “there is no role for Hamas in the future of Gaza”.
He said: “As I have repeatedly said to the noble Lord in this Chamber, we are committed to building a future where the Palestinian Authority is the authority for all Occupied Territories and it is defended and protected to do its job. There is no role for Hamas in the future of Gaza.”
Earlier in the session, he had confirmed the significance of freeing the remaining Israeli hostages: “I believe the international community is united. I thank Qatar, Egypt and the US for their support in bringing those individuals who have been released back to their families. Our thoughts are very much with those still waiting to be reunited with their loved ones, including the family of the UK-linked hostage, Avinatan Or. The simple fact is that release of the hostages is a vital component of the ceasefire deal, and it is the ceasefire deal that we have to be focused on to ensure that the hostages are released, that there is peace back in Gaza and that we get humanitarian aid in there, which is essential.”
You can read the full debate here.
