Palestinian Territories Israeli Settlements 2023-01-31
2023-01-31
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The legality and consequences of Israeli settlements are under scrutiny. The UK's stance on these settlements is questioned.
Whether it remains the Government's policy that Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories are illegal.
Yes, it remains the Government's policy that Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories are illegal.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK voted against referring Israeli settlements to the International Court of Justice, despite considering them illegal. Questions arise about sanctions and cooperation with Israel.
If the Israeli Government settlements are illegal, why did the UK Government vote against referring them to the International Court of Justice at the United Nations? What sanctions are being applied to Israel for supplying arms and trading with illegally produced settlement products? If those settlements are completely illegal, as the Government say, why are we having anything to do with them at all? Why did we change our stance at the United Nations?
The UK opposes unilateral resolutions that damage efforts to advance dialogue and therefore damage the prospects of a two-state solution. The position on settlements has been clear, consistent and unambiguous. We continue to work towards a negotiated two-state solution, which we believe is in the best interests of Israelis and Palestinians.
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Assessment & feedback
Explanation for voting against referral to ICJ, sanctions applied
Under Review
Considering This
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns about worsening conditions for Palestinian families in the West Bank, need for steps against balkanisation.
Having recently had the opportunity to visit the west bank with the International Development Committee, I was able to understand just how much worse conditions have become in the past 10 years or so for Palestinian families wishing to see one another within the west bank. What steps have the Government taken to impress upon the Israeli Government how poorly we regard moves to balkanise the west bank itself? What further can be done?
We have a close working relationship with Israel, allowing us to raise areas of disagreement. Our position on the west bank and settlements is clear, and we highlight the importance for maintaining a credible route to a viable Palestinian state, speaking out if decisions are made that jeopardise this.
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Assessment & feedback
Steps taken to impress upon Israel regarding balkanisation
Working Relationship
Raising Areas Of Disagreement
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Forced evictions and demolitions of Palestinian homes are occurring, with concerns over peace prospects.
We join the international community condemning recent attacks. In response to my letter about forced evictions and demolitions in Masafer Yatta, the Minister for the Middle East said that the Government were clear that in all but the most exceptional of circumstances, demolitions and forced evictions are contrary to International Humanitarian Law… and harmful to efforts to promote peace. What steps are being taken to ensure Israel stops eviction of Palestinians from their homes? What efforts are made to support negotiations for a two-state solution?
I had a telephone conversation with the newly appointed Israeli Foreign Minister, congratulating him and reaffirming UK's passionate stance on peace in the region. We encourage calm responses by Israel while pursuing self-defence, looking to de-escalate deaths in both territories, working directly with Israel, regional partners, and other countries for a peaceful two-state solution.
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Assessment & feedback
Steps taken to stop forced evictions
Telephone Conversation
Encouraging Calm Responses
Response accuracy