Children in Gaza are facing unimaginable suffering. All parties to this conflict must ensure that their actions are proportionate and necessary, affording innocent civilians the protection that is their right under international law. Civilians, including children, must be respected and protected and our collective priority must be to alleviate this suffering, including at hospitals and schools.

The UK continues to make representations to the Israeli authorities on the troubling high number of Palestinian children who are not informed of their legal rights when detained, in contravention of Israel's own regulations. The UK welcomes the release of Palestinian detainees as part of the hostage deal brokered on 22 November, a crucial step towards providing relief to the families of the hostages and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Hospitals in the Occupied Palestinian Territories must be allowed to operate safely and treat the vulnerable, in accordance with international humanitarian law. The UK Government has provided an additional £30 million in humanitarian funding and has sent more than 51 tonnes of emergency relief for civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. This funding will support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency and other trusted partners to respond to critical food, water, health, shelter and security needs in Gaza.