Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories 2023-07-18
2023-07-18
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP asked about the government's assessment of the implications for their policies following recent violent incidents in Israel and Palestine.
What assessment has been made of the implications for his policies of recent violence in Israel and Palestine?
The accelerating cycle of violence in the west bank is a cause of enormous concern, and the Government are intensely focused on the situation. While the UK firmly supports Israel's right to defend itself and its citizens against terrorism, we urge the Israel Defence Forces to demonstrate restraint, adhere to the principles of international humanitarian law and ensure that civilians are protected.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a detailed policy assessment or specific actions taken in response to violence.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP criticized the lack of a lasting peace deal and noted that dozens of Palestinian children have been killed in Israeli military operations.
Regrettably, a lasting peace deal seems as far away as ever. In 2023, dozens of Palestinian children have been killed in Israeli military operations. Will the Minister urge the Israeli Government to show compassion and restraint?
My hon. Friend makes an important point. Every one of those deaths is tragic and a real tragedy. In the annual “Human Rights and Democracy Report” published by the FCDO last week, the OPTs were identified as a human rights priority. The UK will continue to oppose violations and abuse of international human rights law and international humanitarian law by the Government of Israel, the Palestinian Authority and Hamas.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific commitments or actions regarding urging restraint from Israel.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raised the case of a Palestinian grandmother forcibly evicted from her home by Israeli settlers, seven years ago.
Seven years ago in this very Chamber, I raised the case of 68-year-old Nora and her family who faced being forced out of their home. Last week she was tragically dragged from her home of more than seven decades. What is the Government's red line?
Demolitions and evictions of Palestinians from their homes cause unnecessary suffering to ordinary Palestinians and call into question Israel's commitment to a viable two-state solution. In all but the most exceptional cases, demolition by an occupying power is contrary to international humanitarian law.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific commitments or actions regarding preventing evictions of Palestinians.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP questioned the government's commitment to supporting an International Criminal Court investigation into killings in Israel and Palestine.
This year has already been the deadliest for violence in the west bank since 2005. The expansion of illegal settlements keeps on growing. Will the Minister commit to supporting an ICC investigation?
We are using our powers as president of the UN Security Council to convene and bring people together. We continue to monitor the situation on the ground with our international allies.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to support an ICC investigation, only stated monitoring the situation.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raised concerns about healthcare workers facing increased attacks, calling for assurances that access to medical care is allowed according to international law.
Earlier this year I visited healthcare facilities supported by Medical Aid for Palestinians in the west bank. This week it has taken the unprecedented step of providing bulletproof vests and helmets to medical workers due to an increase in attacks. Can the Minister set out what assurances he has received from the Israeli authorities?
Lord Ahmad did meet the Israeli official and talked through the importance of this matter. As the hon. Lady rightly highlights, international humanitarian law requires military forces to allow medical access in order to evacuate and treat the wounded. We are always urging Israel to live up to those important requirements.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific assurances received from Israeli authorities.
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP pointed out that this year saw a record number of settlements promoted, with 12,855 housing units and 10 new outposts.
This year has seen the highest number on record of settlements in the west bank. How will expanding settlements help the peace process?
That is an important question. As was laid out in the Foreign Secretary's trilateral statement with the Foreign Ministers of Australia and Canada on 30 June, the continued expansion of settlements is an obstacle to peace and negatively impacts efforts to achieve a negotiated two-state solution.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific plans or actions regarding expanding settlements.
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP noted that the UN recorded 475 instances of settler-related violence resulting in casualties or property damage.
In the first five months of 2023, the United Nations recorded 475 instances of settler-related violence. What plans has the Minister got to request that Israeli Authorities take action?
We welcome the joint statement from the heads of the Israel Defence Force, the Israeli Security Agency and Israeli police as well as statements by other Israeli leaders that condemn these criminal acts. We call on the authorities to ensure accountability for all perpetrators of violence.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific plans or commitments regarding preventing settler violence.
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
The Sub Laban family, who lived in their home for 70 years in the occupied old city of Jerusalem, were forcibly evicted last week by Israel to make way for illegal settlers. This situation reflects ongoing violations of international law.
How many such violations of international law by Israel will have to take place before the Government act, including by banning UK trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories?
We are concerned about demolitions and evictions of Palestinians, which call into question Israel's commitment to a viable two-state solution. We are pushing for it to reconsider forthcoming evictions.
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Assessment & feedback
Banning UK trade with illegal Israeli settlements
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
The independent judiciary in Israel has struck down arbitrary actions by Israeli authorities, contributing to the country's strength as a democracy.
Will the Minister say, as friends, to his Israeli counterparts that any proposals reducing the independence of the judiciary would not help Israel's cause and stability?
I understand my hon. Friend's important point. We endorse the words of Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who is seeking a compromise.
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Assessment & feedback
Speaking with Israeli counterparts about judicial independence
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Q10
Direct Answer
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Context
New terror groups like Lions' Den and Jenin Brigades have emerged alongside Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, raising concerns about outside influences such as Iran.
Does my hon. Friend share my concern about the influence of outside actors—namely Iran—in enabling and encouraging violence in the region?
My right hon. Friend makes an incredibly important point. The actions of Iran are abhorrent and causing all sorts of challenges in regional instability, and they need to be called out.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q11
Partial Answer
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Context
A recent publication revealed an ambitious plan to establish a continuous land bridge directly connecting Israel to Jordan and other Arab states.
What steps is the Foreign Office taking to support our Middle East allies on this welcome peace project?
We welcome all steps to help move forward with the middle east peace process and follow those particular points with interest.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific support for the peace project involving a continuous land bridge
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Q12
Partial Answer
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Context
Recent events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories include new illegal settlements, violence, terrorist attacks, and civilian deaths. The Government has focused on an ill-conceived bill despite warnings from diplomats.
Is it true that our diplomats warned Ministers that the Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill would breach our obligations under UN resolution 2334? If so, why is Michael Gove undermining UK foreign policy?
The shadow Secretary of State is correct that these are really concerning issues and there is a lot of passion on both sides of the House. The Government's position was agreed by the FCDO and all relevant Government Departments.
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Assessment & feedback
Details about diplomats' warnings and Michael Gove's actions undermining UK foreign policy
Response accuracy