Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Christians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories

Thursday 3 April 2025 · 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

  • Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi raised concerns about the ongoing de facto annexation of parts of the West Bank and threats to annex parts of Gaza.
  • John Glen inquired about the situation of the Nassar family farm, known as the Tent of Nations, near Bethlehem.
  • The minister committed to engaging with the Foreign Secretary's team to defend and protect the rights of Palestinians.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi Lab Slough
Foreign Affairs Religion & Faith
Context

The situation is deteriorating with threats of annexation and displacement of Palestinians, impacting Christian communities.

Question

In Gaza, mass atrocities continue and civilians, including children, are being killed. In recent days, the Israeli Defence Minister has threatened to annex parts of Gaza, and we have already seen the illegal annexation of large parts of the west bank, with Palestinian families being forced from their homes to make way for Israeli settlers. Can my hon. Friend tell us what the Church Commissioners are doing to help promote respect for international law and bring an end to this horror?

Answer from Marsha De Cordova (The Second Church Estates Commissioner)

I thank my hon. Friend for his important and timely question. The ongoing de facto annexation of parts of the west bank and threats to annex parts of Gaza are incredibly disturbing. In February, the Heads of Churches in Jerusalem issued a joint statement against the threat of mass displacement, and I agree with them that there can be no justification for uprooting people who are already suffering beyond all measure. My hon. Friend is absolutely right to outline that international law must be upheld at all times, and there are significant concerns about what is taking place in Israel at the moment.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer acknowledges the issue but does not provide specific actions by the Church Commissioners beyond expressing concern.

How: Acknowledges The Issue, Expresses Concern

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Q2 John Glen Con Salisbury
Foreign Affairs
Context

The Dean of Salisbury Cathedral visited a Palestinian family farm, expressing grave concerns about the situation. The Foreign Secretary's team has been engaged on this issue.

Question

The dean of Salisbury cathedral visited me recently to tell me about a visit he had made to the Nassar family farm—the Tent of Nations—just south of Bethlehem, near the Palestinian village of Nahallin. He expressed grave concerns about the situation the family finds itself in. What conversations has the hon. Lady had with the Foreign Secretary about the steps the Government are taking to defend the rights of Palestinians in the west bank, and can she confirm that the Government will raise the abuses of their rights with the Israeli Government?

Answer from Marsha De Cordova (The Second Church Estates Commissioner)

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his question on this important issue. I continue to engage with the Foreign Secretary’s team and office on this issue, and I will write to the Government yet again, to ensure that they are defending and protecting the rights of all Palestinians. I think we can all agree that we need to see an end to the violence and the killing of innocent people.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer acknowledges engagement with Foreign Secretary's team but does not confirm specific actions or commitments from the Government.

How: Acknowledges Engagement, Expresses Agreement

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