The Government has been absolutely clear that the recent activities of Hamas in Gaza, including attempts to rearm and rebuild tunnel infrastructure, undermine efforts to improve the situation in Gaza and harm prospects for the Middle East peace process. The UK Government has strongly condemned Hamas's intolerable firing of rockets into Israel and its policy of deliberate targeting of civilians. No democratic country could accept such a clear threat to the security of its citizens. I know the Government therefore recognises Israel's right to take proportionate action to defend itself. In doing so, Israel must exercise restraint and to do everything in its power to avoid civilian casualties.
This conflict has taken a terrible toll. The civilian suffering which it has caused, particularly to innocent children, is appalling. The allegations in the UN Commission of Inquiry report must be fully investigated by Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and the authorities in Gaza. There must be meaningful investigations into all possible violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law by all sides, including those abuses committed by Hamas and other militant groups.
I can assure you that the Government's policy on Hamas has not changed and is clear: Hamas must renounce violence, recognise Israel, and accept previously signed agreements. Hamas must make credible movement towards these conditions, which remain the benchmark against which its intentions should be judged.