Middle East Minister Hugh Robertson has called on Israel and Hamas to respect their 12-month ceasefire and for Hamas put an end to “militant activities, including rocket fire”.
Marking the anniversary of the end of the last Gaza conflict and Israel's Pillar of Defence operation, Mr Robertson also criticised the Hamas regime for “provocations such as the recent tunnels constructed into Israel”.
The Foreign Office minister, who travelled to Israel and the West Bank earlier this month, highlighted the economic situation in Gaza and said it was “profoundly disappointing the living conditions for the 1.7 million civilians inside Gaza have, if anything, deteriorated.
“Severe restrictions on the import and export of goods and passenger traffic are triggering yet higher levels of unemployment and poverty and Gaza is without power for 16 hours a day.
