While the Government has not raised this specific issue with the Israeli authorities, I am informed that Ministers have consistently called on the Israeli Government to ease movement and access restrictions. Access to essential medical treatment is clearly an important issue, and I am assured that the Government will seek appropriate opportunities to raise this.
Medical access for Palestinians is particularly difficult in Gaza. The UK provided £10 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross between 2013 and 2015 to deliver emergency medical services and rehabilitate hospitals, including in Gaza. The Government also continues to lobby the Israeli authorities on the issue of improving movement and access into Gaza, and encourages Egypt to show maximum flexibility on opening the Rafah crossing.
The UK gives specific support to a UN body which works to facilitate the transfer of medical equipment, supplies and patient referrals as well as producing important data and reports.
The UK's previous support to the Palestinian Authority has helped build Palestinian institutions, promote economic growth and support the provision of basic services such as health care. The Government is conducting a full examination of our work in the OPTs, including our financial assistance to the Palestinian Authority. I can assure you that the UK remains firmly committed to supporting the Palestinian Authority to build and strengthen the institutions needed for a two-state solution, a core part of which is building its capacity to deliver services including healthcare.
These problems highlight the need for a just and lasting resolution that ends the occupation and delivers peace for both Israelis and Palestinians. I believe a negotiated two-state solution is the only way to end conflict once and for all.