GAZA, June 13, 2014 (WAFA) - The British Consul General in Jerusalem, Dr Alastair McPhail, visited Gaza Thursday where he met the four Palestinian ministers  in the new Palestinian interim technocratic government.

The Consul General met Minister of Women's Affairs Haifa al-Agha, Minister of Labour Mamoun Abu Shahla, Minister of Justice Salim al-Saqqa, and Minister of Public Work and Housing Mufeed al-Hasayneh. In the meeting Dr Alastair McPhail reiterated the UK’s steady support to the people of Gaza. He reaffirmed that the UK will continue to support the new Palestinian government to overcome the challenges of re-unifying Gaza and the West Bank under one government. The support, however, is conditioned on the new government’s commitment to the principles of non-violence, recognition of Israel and respect for previous agreements.

Consul General Alastair McPhail said: ‘I reiterated to the ministers today our continued support for the Palestinian Authority and solidarity with the people of Gaza. We want to see a prosperous Gaza as an indispensable part of the future Palestinian state. We want to see Gazans living a normal life, as they deserve: a life with no checkpoints, no restrictions on movement and access, where the economy is thriving and the youth have employment opportunities.'