Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Middle East

Tuesday 25 January 2022 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Holly Lynch asked about supporting the creation of an international fund for Israeli-Palestinian peace.
  • Alan Brown raised concerns over evictions and demolitions in East Jerusalem targeting Palestinian presence.
  • Stephen Crabb highlighted the positive impact of the Abraham accords on trade and relations between Israel and Arab states.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Holly Lynch Lab
Foreign Affairs
Context

The question arises from the ongoing conflict in Israel and Palestine, where diplomatic efforts are sought to establish a peaceful resolution.

Question

If she will take diplomatic steps to support the creation of an international fund for Israeli-Palestinian peace.

Answer from James Cleverly

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address whether the government will take diplomatic steps to support an international fund for peace.

How: Discussed Meetings But Did Not Commit

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Q2 Alan Brown SNP
Foreign Affairs
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.

Question

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?

Answer from James Cleverly

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify when or what concrete actions would be taken against violations of international law.

How: Stated General Policy But No Specific Timeline

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Q3 Stephen Crabb Con
Foreign Affairs
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.

Question

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?

Answer from James Cleverly

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to specific actions or exploration of encouraging other states into peace agreements.

How: Repeated General Support For Existing Accords Without Specifics

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Q4 Holly Lynch Lab
Foreign Affairs
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.

Question

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?

Answer from James Cleverly

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to renewing or providing updates on an international fund for peace.

How: Stated General Support Without Specifics

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Q5 Matthew Offord Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

The ongoing conflict includes the refusal of Hamas to engage in peace talks with Israel, which hinders progress towards a peaceful resolution.

Question

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?

Answer from James Cleverly

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address whether Hamas must disarm before negotiations can occur.

How: Stated Negative Impact But No Specific Condition For Peace Talks

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