Written questions by O'Hara.

Pursuant to the Answer of 3 December 2024 to Question 16763, what discussions his Department has had with civil society organisations since 3 December 2024 to evaluate its approach to civilian harm mitigation and response.

Mitigating civilian harm is central to Defence’s approach to human security. We work through multiple channels to promote human security, with a particular emphasis on protecting civilians. We actively engage with civil society organisations on this issue, recognising the value of their expertise and perspectives.Since December 2024, engagement has taken place through in-person meetings and online discussions, as well as participation in civil society-led forums. We have also contributed to international workshops and conferences, including through the International Contact Group on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response for which we are now co-chairs, and attending the Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas international conference.

When an RAF aircraft was last deployed from RAF Akrotiri on a strike mission; and what the intended target was.

On 29 April 2025, RAF Typhoon FGR4s deploying from RAF Akrotiri conducted strikes against Houthi weapons manufacture facilities in Yemen. This action was in line with long-standing policy of the UK Government to support wider efforts to uphold freedom of navigation within the Red Sea. It was reported to Parliament on 30 April 2025.

Whether the RAF has deployed Shadow R1 surveillance flights to Gaza since 15 January 2025.

Since the terrorist attacks against Israel on 7 October 2023, the UK Government has been working with partners across the region to secure the release of hostages, including British nationals. In support of this, the Royal Air Force has been conducting unarmed surveillance flights over the Eastern Mediterranean, including in airspace over Israel and Gaza. For the avoidance of doubt, our mandate is narrowly defined to focus on securing the release of hostages only. I cannot comment further on detailed intelligence matters for reasons of operational security.

If he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the report by the British Palestinian Committee entitled British Military Collaboration with Israel, published on 28 January 2025.

We will consider the report and continue to act in line with our obligations to International Law.

How many meetings his Department has had with Israel Defense Forces personnel since 5 July 2024; who participated in those meetings; and when those meetings took place.

Israel is an important regional partner for the UK and we have a broad relationship including on Defence. The Ministry of Defence routinely conducts bilateral Defence engagement with the Israel Defense Forces, the Palestinian Authority, and the US, as part of the concerted UK effort to reduce the risk of escalation in the Middle East.

Whether he met General Oded Basyuk of the Israel Defense Forces in January 2025.

No.

When a General of the Israel Defense Forces last visited his Department.

The last visit to the Ministry of Defence by a General of the Israel Defense Forces took place on Wednesday 22 January 2024, by Major General Oded Basyuk.

When he last met a General of the Israel Defense Forces.

The Secretary of State for Defence last met with a General of the Israel Defense Forces on Friday 2 August 2024, during a visit to hold an introductory meeting with the Israeli Defence Minister, and discuss efforts to reduce the risk of escalation in the Middle East.

Whether he has plans to repeal the Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Victims) Act 2021.

We have no plans to repeal the Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Act 2021.

Whether he plans to respond to the recommendations of the report entitled Strengthening UK Military Investigations into Civilian Harm, published by the Ceasefire Centre for Civilian Rights on 26 November 2024.

I thank the hon. Member for raising this report with the Department. Where the UK undertakes military action, it is conducted in full accordance with UK and international law. Military action is meticulously planned in accordance with the recognised IHL principles of proportionality, military necessity, distinction and humanity, as well as in line with relevant policies such as the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict; Joint Service Publication 985 – Human Security in Defence. Great care is taken to minimise the risk of harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure, and this sits at the core of our approach. Working level discussions are ongoing between Ministry of Defence officials, our allies, and civil society organisations to share and promote best practice on civilian harm mitigation.

What discussions he has had with the Dutch Ministry of Defence on civilian harm mitigation and response.

Working level discussions have taken place between officials from the Ministry of Defence and Dutch Ministry of Defence on civilian harm mitigation and response. This has also included officials from the US Department of Defence as well as officials from Defence Ministries of other allies. The aim of these discussions is to advance engagement between allies on sharing and promoting best practice on civilian harm mitigation within respective Armed Forces.

Whether his Department has established a process for the (a) assessment and (b) retention of evidence gathered by unarmed RAF surveillance flights over Gaza.

Our mandate is narrowly defined to focus on securing the release of the hostages only. We are unable comment further on detailed intelligence matters for operational security reasons.

What steps his Department is taking to implement a mechanism to ensure that intelligence information shared with the Israeli government is used within the boundaries of international humanitarian law, and what discussions he has had with his Israeli counterpart on ensuring that any information provided is used in compliance with international humanitarian law.

The Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) mandate is narrowly defined to focus on securing the release of the hostages only, including British nationals. Only information relating to hostage rescue will be passed to the relevant authorities. The MOD has robust policies, practices and processes which are entirely consistent with our legal obligations under domestic and international law. The Secretary of State for Defencec, and MOD officials, have regular discussions with their Israeli counterparts on the remaining hostages and other matters, including complying with International Humanitarian Law and the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

What discussions he has had with his Israeli counterpart on ensuring that any information gathered by unarmed RAF surveillance flights over Gaza can be used solely in relation to locating Israeli hostages.

The Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) mandate is narrowly defined to focus on securing the release of the hostages only, including British nationals. Only information relating to hostage rescue will be passed to the relevant authorities. The MOD has robust policies, practices and processes which are entirely consistent with our legal obligations under domestic and international law. The Secretary of State for Defencec, and MOD officials, have regular discussions with their Israeli counterparts on the remaining hostages and other matters, including complying with International Humanitarian Law and the humanitarian situation in Gaza.