Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from the ongoing conflict in Israel and Palestine, where diplomatic efforts are sought to establish a peaceful resolution.
If she will take diplomatic steps to support the creation of an international fund for Israeli-Palestinian peace.
My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary met the Israeli President Mr Herzog and the Israeli Foreign Minister Lapid during their respective visits to the UK in November. I also recently discussed the situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories with Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Roll and Palestinian Prime Minister Shtayyeh.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address whether the government will take diplomatic steps to support an international fund for peace.
Discussed Meetings But Did Not Commit
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Evictions and demolitions continue in East Jerusalem, aiming to eradicate Palestinian presence. The question seeks action from the UK government on violations of international law.
Meanwhile, evictions and demolitions continue in East Jerusalem aimed at eradicating Palestinian presence from the whole basin, with a cemetery desecrated to make way for a Jewish national park and new settlements planned that are designed to smash the concept of a two-state solution. When will the UK Government actually take actions to demonstrate that violations of international law do indeed have consequences?
The UK enjoys a close and important relationship with Israel, and that enables us to raise important issues such as settlement demolitions directly with the Israeli Government, which we do. The UK's long-standing policy is to pursue actions that support the creation of a viable two-state solution, and that will remain the focus of our engagement with both the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify when or what concrete actions would be taken against violations of international law.
Stated General Policy But No Specific Timeline
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Abraham accords have resulted in growth of trade, investment, and people-to-people contact between Israel and other Arab states. The question seeks to leverage the UK's strong relationships for furthering peace.
If anybody wants to see something genuinely positive and uplifting in foreign affairs, they should look at the Abraham accords and the fruit stemming from them in the remarkable growth in trade, investment and people-to-people contact between Israel, the United Arab Emirates and other Arab states. Given the UK's excellent relations throughout the Gulf region and our bilateral ties with Israel, does my right hon. Friend agree that we are well placed to help foster the growth of the Abraham accords' fruit? Will he look at how he can encourage other states to embark on the same journey of peace and friendship with Israel?
My right hon. Friend is absolutely right that the UK enjoys excellent relations with all the signatory nations to the Abraham accords. Indeed, I was in Bahrain when the first ever Bahraini ambassador to the state of Israel was announced, and it was genuinely a joyous occasion. The UK will continue to support the Abraham accords and greater joint working between the states in the region.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to specific actions or exploration of encouraging other states into peace agreements.
Repeated General Support For Existing Accords Without Specifics
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
In a visit to Israel and Palestine in 2017, the MP saw the west bank and was shocked by the situation. The question seeks renewal of commitment to an international fund modelled after the International Fund for Ireland.
In 2017, I had the opportunity to visit Israel and Palestine, and what I saw in the west bank really shocked me. We must never see a return to last year's violence. Will the Minister renew our commitment to an international fund for Israeli-Palestinian peace, based on the model of the International Fund for Ireland, and update the House on our international efforts to make the fund and lasting peace a reality?
The hon. Lady makes an important point about the relationships between Israelis and Palestinians. The UK has, does and will continue to support and facilitate people-to-people contacts and cross-community contacts as well as ensuring that the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority also have a good working relationship.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to renewing or providing updates on an international fund for peace.
Stated General Support Without Specifics
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The ongoing conflict includes the refusal of Hamas to engage in peace talks with Israel, which hinders progress towards a peaceful resolution.
The successful conclusion of peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians is key to bringing peace to the region, yet Hamas publicly condemn peace negotiations and has committed itself to Israel's destruction. Does my right hon. Friend agree that until Hamas disarms, Israel cannot be expected to negotiate with a terror group which calls for its very destruction?
Hamas has not proven itself to be good for the Palestinian people. The simple truth is that its aggressive posture and threats to eradicate the state of Israel have harmed relations between Israelis and Palestinians.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address whether Hamas must disarm before negotiations can occur.
Stated Negative Impact But No Specific Condition For Peace Talks
Response accuracy