Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories

Tuesday 18 July 2023 · 12 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 10 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The accelerating cycle of violence in the West Bank is a cause of concern, and the Government urges Israel to demonstrate restraint.
  • The UK opposes violations and abuse of international law, including the demolition and eviction of Palestinians from their homes.
  • The expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank is an obstacle to peace and negatively impacts efforts to achieve a negotiated two-state solution.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Richard Burgon Lab Leeds East
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP asked about the government's assessment of the implications for their policies following recent violent incidents in Israel and Palestine.

Question

What assessment has been made of the implications for his policies of recent violence in Israel and Palestine?

Answer from David Rutley

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a detailed policy assessment or specific actions taken in response to violence.

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Q2 Paul Bristow
Foreign Affairs
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.

Question

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?

Answer from David Rutley

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific commitments or actions regarding urging restraint from Israel.

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Q3 Imran Hussain Lab Bradford East
Community Security Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP raised the case of a Palestinian grandmother forcibly evicted from her home by Israeli settlers, seven years ago.

Question

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?

Answer from David Rutley

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific commitments or actions regarding preventing evictions of Palestinians.

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Q4 Mohammad Yasin Lab Bedford
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP questioned the government's commitment to supporting an International Criminal Court investigation into killings in Israel and Palestine.

Question

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?

Answer from David Rutley

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.

Not addressed: Did not commit to support an ICC investigation, only stated monitoring the situation.

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Q5 Helen Hayes Lab Dulwich and West Norwood
NHS
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.

Question

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?

Answer from David Rutley

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific assurances received from Israeli authorities.

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Q6 Flick Drummond Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP pointed out that this year saw a record number of settlements promoted, with 12,855 housing units and 10 new outposts.

Question

This year has seen the highest number on record of settlements in the west bank. How will expanding settlements help the peace process?

Answer from David Rutley

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific plans or actions regarding expanding settlements.

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Q7 Mick Whitley
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP noted that the UN recorded 475 instances of settler-related violence resulting in casualties or property damage.

Question

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?

Answer from David Rutley

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific plans or commitments regarding preventing settler violence.

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Q8 Richard Burgon Lab Leeds East
Foreign Affairs
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.

Question

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?

Answer from David Rutley

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Banning UK trade with illegal Israeli settlements

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Q9 Bob Neill Con
Community Security Foreign Affairs Religion & Faith
Context

The independent judiciary in Israel has struck down arbitrary actions by Israeli authorities, contributing to the country's strength as a democracy.

Question

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?

Answer from David Rutley

I understand my hon. Friend's important point. We endorse the words of Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who is seeking a compromise.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Speaking with Israeli counterparts about judicial independence

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Q10 Stephen Crabb Con
Foreign Affairs
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.

Question

Does my hon. Friend share my concern about the influence of outside actors—namely Iran—in enabling and encouraging violence in the region?

Answer from David Rutley

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.

Answered
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Q11 John Howell Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

A recent publication revealed an ambitious plan to establish a continuous land bridge directly connecting Israel to Jordan and other Arab states.

Question

What steps is the Foreign Office taking to support our Middle East allies on this welcome peace project?

Answer from David Rutley

We welcome all steps to help move forward with the middle east peace process and follow those particular points with interest.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific support for the peace project involving a continuous land bridge

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Q12 David Lammy Lab Tottenham
Brexit Foreign Affairs
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.

Question

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?

Answer from David Rutley

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Details about diplomats' warnings and Michael Gove's actions undermining UK foreign policy

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