Ref: ML.N0004.SS.19.10.22

The Rt Hon James Cleverly MP

Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

19th October 2022

Access to Breast Cancer Treatment in Gaza

Dear James,

I am getting in touch with you on behalf of several of my constituents who have written to me about patient access to breast cancer treatment and services in Gaza.

As you may be aware, breast cancer is the most common cancer among Palestinian women, comprising 29% of all cancer diagnoses in the West Bank and 20% in Gaza. However, the restrictions on freedom of movement in Gaza, combined with the shortage of medicine and the deteriorating humanitarian crisis, has heaped even more pressures on patients reaching essential treatment. 

My constituents have asked the Government specifically to: 

• Use the UK's diplomatic clout to pressure Israel to immediately ensure that cancer and other patients in Gaza, and their companions, have free and unimpeded access to medical treatment elsewhere in the occupied Palestinian territory and abroad, in line with international humanitarian law;

• Monitor and publicly report on the Israeli authorities’ rate of approval, delay and denial of permits for patients, companions and health workers in and out of Gaza;

• Provide aid and technical assistance to support the sustainable development of Palestinian cancer services, including much-needed radiotherapy services in Gaza; and

• Work with international partners to develop a time-bound plan to end Israel’s illegal closure, blockade and collective punishment of Gaza.

I want to share my constituent’s concerns and would be grateful for your response.

Yours sincerely,

Caroline