Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Israel and Palestine

Tuesday 13 December 2022 · 2 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Tommy Sheppard questioned the UK government about Israel's compliance with international law in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
  • The UK government expressed concern over instability in the West Bank and called for urgent de-escalation.
  • The government did not recognize the term apartheid in the context of Israel and stated that serious crimes under international law are for judicial decision.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Tommy Sheppard SNP
Foreign Affairs
Context

Recent reports by Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and B'Tselem accuse the Israeli authorities of committing crimes against Palestinians.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of Israel's compliance with its obligations under international law in the Occupied Palestinian Territories?

Answer from David Rutley

As a friend of Israel, we have regular dialogue on human rights and all matters relating to the occupation. We encourage the Government of Israel to abide by their obligations under international law. We are concerned about instability in the West Bank and call for urgent de-escalation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific reports naming Israeli authorities as committing crimes were not addressed directly.

How: Regular Dialogue On Human Rights, Call For De-Escalation

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Q2 Tommy Sheppard SNP
Foreign Affairs
Context

The questioner references recent reports from Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, B'Tselem, the publication of plans to annex the West Bank, and the appointment of ministers accused of racism.

Question

In light of recent reports by Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and B'Tselem accusing Israeli authorities of committing apartheid, along with plans for effective annexation of the West Bank and appointments of violently racist Ministers in Israel, is it time to step up diplomatic pressure on Israel?

Answer from David Rutley

We do not recognise the terminology about apartheid. Any judgment on serious crimes under international law is a matter for judicial decision, rather than Governments or non-judicial bodies. We condemn incidents of violence by settlers against Palestinians.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner's specific ask to step up diplomatic pressure was not directly addressed.

How: Judicial Decisions, Condemning Violent Incidents

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