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Violence in the West Bank
04 July 2023
Lead MP
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Foreign Affairs
Other Contributors: 34
At a Glance
Anne-Marie Trevelyan raised concerns about violence in the west bank in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
The minister emphasised the escalating violence in the West Bank and acknowledged the latest military operation by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) in Jenin refugee camp. She stated that while supporting Israel’s right to defend itself, the UK urges restraint from IDF and adherence to international humanitarian law. The UK welcomed recent engagements between Israeli and Palestinian officials but noted their limitations. The minister highlighted ongoing diplomatic efforts with both sides, including recent communications between foreign ministers and continuous engagement by UK ambassadors in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. She also mentioned a joint statement made by her department, alongside Canada and Australia, opposing Israel’s settlement expansion plans.
Beth Winter
Lab
Cynon Valley
Question
A detailed critique of the military assault in Jenin, including casualties and humanitarian issues. The MP questioned the UK’s actions as UN Security Council President and sought a review of arms usage by IDF.
Minister reply
The minister acknowledged the concerns raised and reiterated calls for restraint from Israel while supporting their right to self-defence. She emphasised adherence to international humanitarian law.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Stamford
Question
Called for diplomatic efforts to prevent further violence, urging Israeli restraint on settlement expansion, Hamas to cease terror attacks, appointment of a peace envoy, and the use of UK’s UN Security Council presidency.
Minister reply
The minister reaffirmed opposition to Israeli settlement expansions as stated in recent joint statements. She reiterated calls for all parties involved to de-escalate tensions.
Wayne David
Lab
Caerphilly
Question
We must all be extremely concerned about the situation in the refugee camp in the city of Jenin, as well as the ongoing deteriorating situation in the conflict as a whole. I am also aware that statements from the spokesman for the United Nations Secretary-General suggest that this military operation has not been conducted within the parameters of humanitarian law. The Secretary-General is said to be “deeply concerned” about the situation on the ground. Can the Minister provide an urgent update on the situation? We will always condemn acts of terrorism, which only make peace harder to achieve.
Minister reply
I do not have the latest information on the Tel Aviv attack, but I understand that Hamas are claiming it as one of theirs. We absolutely condemn Hamas’s use of indiscriminate violence and attacks of this nature. There can never be any justification for such acts of violence, and we will continue to call on Hamas and other terrorist groups to permanently end their incitements against Israel.
Crispin Blunt
Con
Reigate
Question
Understanding that this comes in the context of, for years, Israel building settlements that block the route to a settlement of this dispute, and understanding that Israel is failing to show restraint, failing to follow international humanitarian law and failing to protect civilians, what are the Government actually going to do?
Minister reply
As I say, the statement that the Foreign Secretary put out with his Canadian and Australian counterparts last week set out a clear message to the Israelis about stopping the settlement expansion. We will continue to work with our friends and allies to make that message clearly heard.
Drew Hendry
SNP
Inverness N & Ross
Question
Violence on all sides must be condemned. However, contrary to what the Minister said, illegal settlements are a barrier to peace, yet the UK Government continue to fail to take any meaningful action towards preventing that. This violence represents a serious escalation of tensions on the west bank. As we have heard, Palestinians and Israelis have lost their lives. What assessment has been made of the potential chain reaction of violence that this could unleash?
Minister reply
The UK’s position is clear: settlements are illegal under international law and they call into question Israel’s commitment to the two-state solution. So we have urged Israel to halt that settlement expansion, which is threatening the physical viability of a Palestinian state.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Question
Clearly, this morning’s car ramming is only the most recent of the terrorist attacks that have emanated from the city of Jenin. So far, Operation House and Garden has resulted in the destruction of three labs, hundreds of improvised explosive devices and thousands of grenades. Underneath the mosque, there were two tunnels with hundreds of weapons, and 120 people have been arrested. Clearly, the terrorist activity is going to be severely limited. Behind all this is the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hamas and the Jenin battalions. Does my right hon. Friend agree with me that this is a proportionate attempt to reduce terrorism against the state of Israel?
Minister reply
As I say, while the UK remains absolutely resolute in its commitment to Israel’s security, and we condemn absolutely the use of indiscriminate force by Hamas and other terrorist groups, we call on all parties to maintain a proportionate balance, so that we can de-escalate the existing situation and ensure that civilians are not caught up in this any more.
Afzal Khan
Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Question
With water and electricity services in the Jenin refugee camp damaged as a result of the violence, camp residents are unable to move from their homes. Many are in urgent need of food, drinking water and medical support, but the ambulances have been prevented from reaching the wounded. Will the Secretary of State raise with the Israeli authorities the issue of access for ambulances and medical teams to the Jenin camp?
Minister reply
The FCDO Minister for the middle east, Lord Ahmad, will be listening to the debate and will be able to give an update in the other place later today about his ongoing discussions with Israeli counterparts.
Nicola Richards
Lib Dem
Richmond Park
Question
Let us be clear: any loss of innocent civilian life is one too many. But let us also be clear that the Palestinian Authority has lost control over Jenin and it has become a safe haven for terrorists. Terror groups have fortified the area with IEDs and last week they fired rockets towards Israel from inside the camp. Iran has also boasted about arming, training and funding the Palestinian terror groups that operate there. Does the Minister agree that it is in the interests of both the Palestinians and the Israelis that terror groups cease these operations, which only further destabilise the Palestinian Authority and the region, with innocent people dying as a consequence?
Minister reply
We recognise the real security concerns facing Israel and the Palestinian Authority while they try to deal with those terrorist groups, and we condemn absolutely terrorist groups planning and carrying out attacks. To my hon. Friend’s point on the loss of innocent lives, every loss is one too many and there will also be a serious number of injuries to civilians.
Alistair Carmichael
Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
Question
Unless and until we acknowledge our own role in this developing tragedy, anything the Minister says at the Dispatch Box is essentially going to be meaningless. The increase in violence by the IDF and the expansion of settlement in the west bank happen because we and other countries in the west do nothing to hold Israel to account. So could the Minister tell us now: will she commit to supporting an International Criminal Court investigation into what is happening there? Will the Government here now set a timetable for the recognition of the Palestinian state?
Minister reply
This Government and Members on both sides of the House do not waver from the two-state solution that we all wish to see. As I have said, settlements are illegal under international law and we will continue, alongside allies and partners, to make that point clear.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Question
But hasn’t our strategic partnership with Israel, announced in this House, afforded us any leverage over Israeli policy in the west bank?
Minister reply
Our strategic relationship with Israel is a strong and long-standing one. We work with Israel in many areas, from security to trade. It is an important partner. That does not negate the fact that we want to see a de-escalation of the current situation and to ensure that the loss of civilian lives is minimised.
Question
I share the distress of others at the loss of civilian life. Islamic Jihad has already claimed several of the dead as Islamic Jihad fighters and, as we have heard, the Israelis say that the camp was used as a hub for terrorist operations. Does the Minister think any more can be done to prevent terrorists from embedding themselves among civilians, particularly in places such as refugee camps?
Minister reply
We recognise the security challenges that are faced and will continue to be faced, not only by Israel and the Palestinian Authority in this case, but elsewhere in the world, where innocents living in refugee camps are used as a cover for terrorists wishing to cause harm. We all have to continue to tackle that not only in the west bank, but around the world.
Julie Elliott
Lab
Liverpool, West Derby
Question
The MP questioned the Government's response to escalating violence and requested specific actions to bring the conflict to an end. She highlighted various forms of Israeli aggression against Palestinians.
Minister reply
Minister reaffirmed commitment to work with parties on challenges but stressed that in most cases demolitions are contrary to international humanitarian law, emphasising the need for de-escalation.
Joanna Cherry
SNP
Edinburgh South
Question
The MP expressed concern over Israeli actions breaching international law and requested specific actions from the Government to ensure Israel adheres to it.
Minister reply
Minister stated clear stance on illegal settlements and mentioned that Lord Ahmad will speak with the Israeli ambassador later to urge de-escalation.
Hayes and Harlington
Question
The MP questioned why the Government had not condemned attacks resulting in civilian deaths as war crimes, urging for a strong message to remind Israel of its legal responsibility.
Minister reply
Minister stated support for Israel's right to defend itself but urged IDF to demonstrate restraint and mentioned Lord Ahmad will speak with Israeli ambassador.
Central Ayrshire
Question
The MP condemned the actions of the IDF in Jenin and questioned if UK Government policy had changed after voting against legislation protesting illegal occupation.
Minister reply
Minister reiterated adherence to principles of necessity and proportionality, urging Israel for appropriate protection of civilians, particularly children.
Andy McDonald
Lab
Middlesbrough and Thornaby East
Question
The MP highlighted recent civilian killings by Israeli forces and urged the Government to take action, including holding Israel accountable.
Minister reply
Minister mentioned engaging with both Israelis and Palestinians for de-escalation and Lord Ahmad will speak with Israeli ambassador about allowing access to medical care.
Andrew Slaughter
Lab
Hammersmith and Chiswick
Question
The MP suggested that the UK Government should send a message of condemnation by ending importation of goods from illegal settlements.
Minister reply
Minister confirmed that goods made in settlements are not allowed to be imported, but added that trade development work is ongoing.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Question
The MP urged for the UK Government to use its power as UN Security Council president to act on atrocities seen in Jenin and asked about other measures to prevent further violence.
Minister reply
Minister stated ongoing work towards peaceful two-state solution and mentioned Lord Ahmad will update later on activities.
Ruth Cadbury
Lab
Brentford and Isleworth
Question
The MP questioned the impact of rising Israeli violence against Palestinian civilians and asked if civilian deaths should lead to investigations.
Minister reply
Minister acknowledged high number of Palestinian casualties and emphasised importance for Israel to exercise maximum restraint, especially in live fire usage.
Anum Qaisar
Lab
City of Chester
Question
The MP questioned how peace can be achieved under systematic oppression and requested steps by the international community to help displaced Palestinians.
Minister reply
Minister mentioned Lord Ahmad will speak with Israeli ambassador later, urging for medical supplies access into refugee camps.
Seema Malhotra
Lab Co-op
Feltham and Heston
Question
The MP highlighted attacks by settlers on Palestinians this year and asked about steps being taken to tackle settler violence.
Minister reply
Minister condemned settler violence strongly, urging Israeli authorities to take action and mentioned Foreign Secretary's statement demanding reversal of new settlement approvals.
Mohammad Yasin
Lab
Bedford
Question
The escalation of violence in the West Bank over the past year and the killing of innocent civilians, including children in recent days, is devastating. The two-state solution seems further away than ever. What are the Government actively doing to stop the killing of innocent people and to ensure that a two-state settlement is still a diplomatic reality?
Minister reply
We continue to work with partners and allies on the two-state solution. We call on all those caught up in the violence today to show restraint and to de-escalate the situation so that the violence can come to a halt.
Grahame Morris
Lab
Easington
Question
What we have seen over the past day or two is an attack by Israeli security forces on a refugee camp, using missiles against children, parents, the elderly and the vulnerable. This is not about Israel defending itself; even the White House has stated that it is tyranny. When will the UK Government intervene not just with words to condemn those actions, but with something in practical terms to support the Palestinian people undergoing such appalling oppression?
Minister reply
The UK’s position on the Middle East peace process is clear and we will continue to support a negotiated settlement leading to a safe and secure Israel living side by side with a viable and sovereign Palestinian state. We are calling very firmly on Israeli defence forces to show restraint.
Mary Foy
Lab
City of Durham
Question
It has been reported that medical teams have been prevented from entering Jenin. Will the Minister condemn that now? Will she express to her counterpart that Palestinians must have medical aid, and can she return to the House to update MPs on the medical situation?
Minister reply
We are urging Israel to allow access for medical teams as soon as possible. My colleague will be raising this with the Israeli ambassador and an update will be provided by the Department in due course.
Bury South
Question
The last time that we saw tensions rise like this, we experienced a month of hate, with incidents of antisemitism rising to an all-time high. Does the Minister agree that while discussions are taking place to de-escalate the situation, we all have a duty to temper our language and tackle antisemitic behaviour?
Minister reply
We have a duty to ensure that antisemitic voices are not allowed to cause distress or violence. We will continue to provide support for Jewish communities.
Question
This year, we have seen a record number of settlement units approved. The Israeli Finance Minister has instructed ministries to prepare for an additional 500,000 settlers on the West Bank. Is it the case that trade with illegal settlements is now deemed illegal by the UK Government?
Minister reply
The UK position on settlements is clear: they are illegal under international law and call into question the commitment to the two-state solution.
Rachel Hopkins
Lab
Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Question
Many constituents have been in touch, distressed about the increase in violence on the West Bank. Can the Minister confirm that there will be additional support for healthcare and medical organisations to help civilians?
Minister reply
Further information on how we will continue to support UNRWA and other humanitarian groups will focus particularly on this incident following discussions with the Israeli ambassador.
Question
One eye witness has compared the impact of the incursion to a natural disaster. What role can the British Government play in helping reconstruction to reduce further humanitarian suffering? Is it the policy of the UK Government that Israel should pay reparations for damage to civilian infrastructure?
Minister reply
We are calling on the Israeli Defence Forces and the Israeli Government to demonstrate restraint, prioritising protection of civilians.
Ian Byrne
Lab
Liverpool West Derby
Question
Can she set out with far greater clarity what action the Government will take as president of the UN Security Council to ensure that Israel adheres to international law and its leaders are held accountable?
Minister reply
The Foreign Secretary has spoken to both Israeli and Palestinian leaders, and we continue to work closely with our allies and partners.
Question
Israel is in breach of international humanitarian law. Will the UK Government convene the Security Council on this issue?
Minister reply
The Government continue not only to have close discussions with Israeli counterparts, but also work closely with our allies and partners.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
Will she outline what discussions have taken place with our Israeli allies to renew peace talks and allow both states to co-exist without tit-for-tat action?
Minister reply
The Foreign Secretary continues to focus on this issue, working with leaders around the world to find a solution.
Kim Johnson
Lab
Liverpool Riverside
Question
What will it take for the Government to suspend arms sales to Israel until we can be sure that they are not being used to violate international law and perpetrate war crimes?
Minister reply
I do not wish to disturb ongoing discussions. However, my colleague Lord Ahmad will have more information to share later.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
Question
I have listened carefully to the Minister, but since 2015 the Government have sold £500 million-worth of arms to Israel, and UK arms have been implicated in previous atrocities against Palestine. Can the Minister say categorically whether any of that military equipment has been used in Israel’s assaults on the Jenin refugee camp? Does not this attack again show why the Government should suspend all arms sales to Israel until it abides by international law?
Minister reply
The Government take our defence export responsibilities seriously and we operate some of the most robust export controls in the world. I reiterate, as colleagues have heard me say before in previous roles, that all applications for export licences are assessed on a case-by-case basis against strict criteria and we will not issue a licence if there is a clear risk that equipment might be used for internal repression. The Government will continue to monitor closely the situation in Israel, Gaza and the west bank and, if extant licences are found to be no longer consistent with those criteria, those licences will be revoked.
Shadow Comment
Beth Winter
Shadow Comment
The shadow criticised the military assault on Jenin refugee camp, describing it as horrifying with significant civilian casualties. She questioned the UK's actions in its role as UN Security Council President and urged a review of whether IDF used UK-supplied arms during the attack. Beth Winter asked for immediate suspension of all arms sales to Israel and sought a ban on collaboration between UK and Israeli military industries.
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