Israeli Government Proscription of Palestinian Civil Society Groups 2022-09-06
2022-09-06
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The Israeli Government designated six Palestinian non-governmental organisations as terrorist organisations in October 2021 and conducted raids on these NGOs, raising concerns about the impact on Palestinian civil society.
Whether she has had recent discussions with her Israeli counterpart on the Israeli Government's proscription of Palestinian civil society groups. I am concerned about the designation of six Palestinian non-governmental organisations as terrorist organisations in October 2021 and the subsequent raids on these NGOs, which have raised serious concerns.
We have been clear about our concern over the Israeli Government's decision to designate six Palestinian non-governmental organisations as terrorist organisations and the subsequent raids on these NGOs. We continue to engage with a number of these organisations and have raised the issue with the Israeli authorities, including through our ambassador to Israel.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Israeli Government designated six Palestinian non-governmental organisations as terrorist organisations, leading to significant concern about the impact on civil society and the two-state solution.
What assessment has she made of the impact of the listing and raids of Palestinian civic society and human rights groups on the prospect of a two-state solution? The listings have caused serious concerns. Civil society groups play an important role in upholding human rights and democracy, but these designations raise questions about their freedom to operate.
Civil society organisations are crucial for upholding human rights and democracy. They must be able to operate freely in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. During my visit to Israel and the OPTs, I met with human rights defenders, journalists, and civil society organisations to discuss the pressures they face.
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Assessment & feedback
specific assessment of impact on two-state solution
Discussed General Importance But Did Not Provide Specific Assessment
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
In October, Israel designated six Palestinian NGOs as terrorist organisations. There are concerns about the lack of evidence supporting these designations.
Will the Minister press her Israeli counterpart for evidence and continue to support Palestinian civil society in the absence of such evidence? The CIA has reported that no evidence was presented to support the designation, which raises serious questions.
I agree with the importance of civil society in terms of human rights and democracy. The evidence is a matter for the Israeli Government, but we maintain our own criteria for designation and continue to engage with many organisations.
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Assessment & feedback
specific request to press for evidence
Agreed On Importance Of Civil Society But Did Not Commit To Pressing For Evidence
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Iran is stepping up its terrorist activities and supporting attacks against Israel, raising concerns about nuclear capacity.
What plans does my right hon. Friend have to introduce sanctions against Iran and take further punitive measures? With Iran's support of terrorist organisations carrying out attacks against Israel and developing a nuclear programme, there are serious security implications.
I am grateful for the question but will not be able to discuss future sanction designations as that would undermine their effectiveness.
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Assessment & feedback
specific plans for sanctions
Will Not Discuss Future Plans
Response accuracy