Question
Given the scale of civilian suffering in Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, can the Minister please outline what discussions have taken place and will take place with international partners to ensure that international humanitarian law is upheld, and that humanitarian workers can work safely?
Answer
Gaza remains one of the deadliest places on earth to deliver aid. We have seen countless incidents involving humanitarian personnel over the past three years. The UK is a member of the Australia-led ministerial group that developed the declaration for the protection of humanitarian personnel, and lobbied other states to join. A total of 132 states have now signed the declaration, and just last month the Foreign Secretary met Australia and others at the UN General Assembly to maintain momentum and drive collective action to address this fundamental issue.14% vibes
Verdict: AMBER (55/100)
The reply gives specific, direct detail on the Government's work with international partners to protect humanitarian personnel, including its membership of the Australia-led ministerial group, lobbying of other states, and a recent UN General Assembly meeting. However, it does not directly address the wider question of upholding international humanitarian law in Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. That first point is only partly covered, and the reply's engagement with it is narrow and less committed. A questioner would likely need to ask again about the broader issue.
How we got there
| Question item | Coverage | Specificity | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| What is the nature of the Government's engagement, past and planned, with international partners on ensuring that international humanitarian law is upheld in Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territories? | Partially Addressed | Hedged | The reply describes concrete engagement with partners (membership of the Australia-led ministerial group, lobbying for signatories, a Foreign Secretary meeting at UNGA), but this is all about the protection of humanitarian personnel rather than upholding international humanitarian law in Gaza and the OPT generally, so only a sub-aspect of the item is covered. |
| What is the nature of the Government's engagement, past and planned, with international partners on ensuring that humanitarian workers can work safely in Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territories? | Addressed | Direct | The reply directly describes the Government's engagement with international partners on humanitarian personnel safety, citing its membership of the Australia-led ministerial group, its lobbying of other states, the 132 signatories and the recent UNGA meeting with Australia and others. |