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We remain deeply concerned by the situation in Gaza. There is an urgent need for all
the parties to reach an agreement that addresses the underlying causes of conflict
in Gaza and to take the necessary steps to ensure Gaza’s reconstruction and economic
recovery. Any agreement should ensure that Hamas and other militant groups permanently
end rocket and other attacks against Israel; the Palestinian Authority resumes control
of Gaza and restores effective governance; and that Israel lifts its restrictions
to ease the suffering of ordinary Palestinians. Through the Gaza Reconstruction Mechanism,
over 96,000 people have now been able to buy materials to repair homes that were damaged
during the conflict. The UN reports that more than 90 percent of damaged schools and
hospitals have been repaired while repairs have either been completed or are ongoing
on about half of all partially damaged homes. We continue to raise Gaza in our meetings
with the Israeli government. On 10 September, the Prime Minister, my right hon. Friend
the Member for Witney (Mr Cameron), and the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth
Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymead and Weybridge (Mr Hammond),
emphasised the importance of improving daily life for the people of Gaza with Israeli
Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. On 24 November our Deputy Head of Mission in Tel
Aviv met the Head of Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories’
Civil Administration department. He stressed the urgency of Israel coming forward
with a transformative package for Gaza and the West Bank, setting out in particular
our concerns about power supply and movement and access restrictions. We are also
urging Egypt to show maximum flexibility in opening the Rafah crossing.
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