Written questions by Osamor.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the Defense for Children International – Palestine's report entitled Starving a generation: Israel’s famine campaign targeting Palestinian children in Gaza, published on 24 June 2025.

We are appalled by the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where famine is now unfolding, as confirmed by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) on 29 July. This is unacceptable. While the Israeli Defence Forces' "tactical pauses" are a necessary step, they are long overdue. We highlighted the critical situation for Gaza's children through our statement at the UN Security Council on 30 June and at the International Development Committee on 16 July. The UK continues to demand that a full and unhindered resumption of aid into Gaza takes place immediately. Israel must immediately allow the UN and aid partners to safely deliver aid at scale and in line with humanitarian principles. We remain committed to ensuring UK support reaches those who need it - including our £101 million package of financial support to the Occupied Palestinian Territories this Financial Year.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Israeli counterpart on the attack on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla in international waters near Malta on 2 May 2025.

We are aware of the serious incident involving a ship off the coast of Malta early last month. We have been in contact with local authorities and understand that no UK citizens were on board and there were no casualties. The Foreign Secretary continues to reiterate to Israel that they must lift the block on aid to Gaza, including with Israeli Foreign Minister Sa'ar.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations he has made to the Israeli Government on the NGO taxation bill which has been proposed in the Israeli Knesset.

We are deeply troubled by the proposed non-governmental organisation (NGO) taxation bill which threatens to undermine the ability of NGOs to operate effectively and continue their important work in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs). We continue to raise these concerns with the Israeli government.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department is taking diplomatic steps to support the Kurdistan Workers Party – Turkey peace process.

The Government maintains a regular dialogue with Turkey, as a key North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) ally and strategic partner. Ministers have spoken with their Turkish counterparts in recent days to discuss the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) announcement and other issues. The decision by the PKK to disarm and disband marks an important step towards peace and security for the people of Turkey and the wider region. Abdullah Ocalan's imprisonment follows a domestic Turkish legal ruling. The UK remains committed to supporting efforts that reduce conflict and promote stability.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions with his Turkish counterpart on the detention of Abdullah Ocalan.

The Government maintains a regular dialogue with Turkey, as a key North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) ally and strategic partner. Ministers have spoken with their Turkish counterparts in recent days to discuss the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) announcement and other issues. The decision by the PKK to disarm and disband marks an important step towards peace and security for the people of Turkey and the wider region. Abdullah Ocalan's imprisonment follows a domestic Turkish legal ruling. The UK remains committed to supporting efforts that reduce conflict and promote stability.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions with his Turkish counterpart on the disbanding of the Kurdistan Workers Party.

The Government maintains a regular dialogue with Turkey, as a key North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) ally and strategic partner. Ministers have spoken with their Turkish counterparts in recent days to discuss the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) announcement and other issues. The decision by the PKK to disarm and disband marks an important step towards peace and security for the people of Turkey and the wider region. Abdullah Ocalan's imprisonment follows a domestic Turkish legal ruling. The UK remains committed to supporting efforts that reduce conflict and promote stability.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 22 April 2025 to Question 40483 on Mahmoud Khalil, whether he has had recent discussions with his US counterpart on the detention of pro-Palestinian protestors by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

As previously stated in response to Question 40483, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) does not comment on personal matters relating to former members of staff. Discussions surrounding the detention of non-British nationals are not for the FCDO to comment on, because it is a matter for the US and the nations of those detained.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Pakistani counterpart on the human rights situation in Balochistan.

The UK is deeply concerned about reports of human rights abuses and violations in Pakistan, including in Balochistan province. Our High Commission in Pakistan regularly raises these issues with the Government of Pakistan at a senior level, including the need to address allegations of enforced disappearances. I underlined the importance of upholding civil and political rights to Pakistan's Human Rights Minister, Azam Tarar, in November 2024. Lord Khan of Burnley discussed the protection of human rights, including the rights of protesters, in a meeting with Minister Tarar in April 2025. The UK will continue to urge the Government of Pakistan to guarantee individuals' rights as laid down in Pakistan's Constitution and in accordance with international standards.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Pakistani counterpart on ending enforced disappearances.

The UK is clear that the freedom to hold and express views without censorship, intimidation or unnecessary restriction is a cornerstone of democracy. We remain deeply concerned over reports of human rights violations, including enforced disappearances. Our High Commission in Islamabad continues to raise this with the Pakistani authorities at the highest levels and has raised the recent case of the detention of Dr. Mahrang Baloch, with Pakistan's Minister for Law and Justice.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what was discussed during his most recent meeting with his Israeli counterpart.

The Foreign Secretary met with Israeli Foreign Minister Sa'ar on 15 April during his visit to London to discuss the need for an end to the aid blockade in Gaza and for all parties to push towards an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages who remain in Gaza. He also raised his concern for aid worker safety and pushed Foreign Minister Sa'ar for the Military Advocate General to provide a response on the World Central Kitchen strike in April 2024. The UK Government continues to engage with Israeli counterparts on a variety of issues, including the conflict in Gaza. This engagement is vital for the UK as we continue to press towards a long-lasting ceasefire which is the only credible pathway towards a sustainable peace, a two-state solution and the reconstruction of Gaza.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of proposed reductions to Official Development Assistance on tuberculosis (a) screening, (b) diagnosis and (c) treatment.

Decisions on how the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget will be used are being worked through as part of the ongoing Spending Review, based on various factors including impact assessments.We plan to publish final 2025/26 ODA programme allocations in the FCDO Annual Report & Accounts this summer.The UK has played a significant role with international counterparts to tackle tuberculosis (TB) in recent decades.Since 2002, Tuberculosis deaths have been reduced by 36 per cent in countries where the Global Fund invests. The UK is a leading donor to the Global Fund and will this year co-host the 8th replenishment of the Global Fund together with South Africa.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the matters raised in the Breaking the Silence report entitled The Perimeter Soldier's Testimonies from the Gaza Buffer Zone 2023-24, published on 7 April 2025.

We have regularly made clear that the Government of Israel must ensure protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, most recently during a joint statement that the Foreign Secretary issued with his French and German counterparts on 23 April. We have also been clear that Israel must not reduce Palestinian territory in the course of its operations, and that permanent Israeli control of buffer or security zones is unacceptable.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Israeli counterpart on the role of the Israeli Defence Force in the killing of Palestinian (a) medics and (b) emergency workers near Rafah on 23 March 2025.

The killing of 15 rescue workers and paramedics, including at least eight Palestinian Red Crescent medics, on 23 March was horrific. We have made clear to the Government of Israel that we expect those responsible to be held to account and for this to be done transparently, and for lessons to be learned that prevent such tragedies occurring in future.The Foreign Secretary raised attacks on aid workers when he met Israel's Foreign Minister Sa'ar on 15 April. With our French and German counterparts on 23 April, we publicly expressed our outrage at Israel's strikes on humanitarian personnel. At a UN Security Council meeting on 3 April, we called for this incident to be investigated fully, transparently and for those responsible to be held to account.It is appalling that at least 418 aid workers have been killed in Gaza since the start of this conflict. We will continue to make both public and private representations to the Government of Israel to ensure that humanitarian workers and medics are protected, and able to carry out their vital work safely.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Pakistani counterpart on the detention of Mahrang Baloch.

The UK is clear that the freedom to hold and express views without censorship, intimidation or unnecessary restriction is a cornerstone of democracy. We remain deeply concerned over reports of human rights violations and abuses against human rights defenders in Balochistan. The British High Commission in Islamabad continues to raise the human rights situation in Balochistan with the Pakistani authorities at the highest levels and has raised the detention of Dr. Mahrang Baloch with Pakistan's Minister for Law and Justice.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Turkish counterpart on media freedom in that country.

The UK is a resolute supporter of democracy, the rule of law and media freedom. This Government has discussed recent events in Turkey with our counterparts at a number of levels. Most recently, on 29 March, the Foreign Secretary spoke to his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan. Among other issues he raised our expectation that as a key friend and ally, Turkey upholds its international commitments, the rule of law and protects the fundamental rights to free speech, peaceful assembly, and media freedom, including the treatment of British and other journalists reporting there.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions with his American counterpart on the detention of Mahmoud Khalil.

This individual does not work for the FCDO and has not done so for over two years. We do not comment on personal matters relating to former members of staff

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Tunisian counterpart on the imprisonment of Said Ferjani.

The UK monitors the situation in Tunisia closely, including the recent sentence and ongoing case against Said Ferjani. During his visit to Tunisia in January, the Foreign Secretary noted the importance of political participation and human rights in discussions with the Tunisian Government. and on On 17 February, our the British Ambassador to Tunisia raised the case of Mr Ferjani with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Officials are observing ongoing trial proceedings against Mr. Ferjani to signal our support for the importance of a free and fair trial, and met members of his family on 27 February to discuss his case.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his international counterparts on the development of a UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons.

The UK Government is committed to equality and opportunity for all, with a particular focus on those most likely to be marginalised and discriminated against, including on the grounds of their age. We are open in principle to the idea of a multilateral instrument dedicated to the human rights of older people and will continue to play a constructive role in discussions on this issue at the UN and other relevant fora.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to help increase supplies of (a) potable water and (b) electricity in North Kivu.

The UK is a leading partner for the humanitarian response in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and is deeply concerned by the humanitarian impacts of the current situation in North Kivu. We are already the second largest donor in country, allocating over £62 million of assistance this year through capable partners. This includes providing £8 million to fund water and sanitation infrastructure to displacement sites, and £10 million to assist with food security, shelter, healthcare and protection. As a result of this humanitarian programming on water supply development, hundreds of thousands of affected people have been supported with clean drinking water through this crisis period. Our partners are now restarting their work to deliver life-saving infrastructure to scale across North Kivu. UK funds have also supported the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to re-establish electricity access there by at least 75 per cent.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of allegations of serious human rights abuses and atrocities committed by the Ethiopian Government in Amhara.

The UK is aware of reports of human rights violations in Amhara, and we are engaging all sides to call for peace and accountability. The Minister for Africa raised the issue when he met Prime Minister Abiy in October 2024. To help alleviate suffering, we co-hosted a humanitarian pledging conference in April that raised $610 million, including a £100 million UK contribution, with funds raised providing lifesaving support to civilians across Ethiopia, including in Amhara. We are working to assist delivery of this support to those most in need, and we are also supporting the implementation of the Government of Ethiopia's Transitional Justice policy, including by improving the investigative capacity of the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission.