West Bank Illegal Settlements
2026-04-21
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question follows concerns about the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements and their impact on Palestinians. Reports indicate over 2,500 Palestinians displaced this year due to evictions, settler violence, and demolitions.
What diplomatic steps her Department is taking to oppose the expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank?
The UK is clear that Israeli illegal settlements and decisions designed to further them are a flagrant violation of international law. We will continue to work with our partners internationally to keep pressure on the Israeli Government.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific measures or commitments were not provided, only an assertion of clarity and commitment
Working With Partners
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Goods from illegal Israeli settlements are already not entitled to tariff preferences under the UK-Israel agreement or with the Palestinian Authority. However, there is a call for a full trade ban.
Does the Foreign Secretary agree that a full ban on all forms of trade and economic activity with those illegal settlements it long overdue?
My hon. Friend will know that we have already introduced three packages of sanctions related to settler violence in the West Bank, including measures against Cabinet members in their personal capacity.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps for a complete trade ban were not outlined
Working With Partners
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Tariff preferences do not cover goods from illegal settlements, but there is a call for more action beyond that.
What more do they have to do before we take action and ban settlement trade?
My hon. Friend is right to point out that this is fundamentally about the two-state solution, and it also risks undermining the Gaza peace process.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific timeline or action plan for halting trade with settlements was provided
Working With Partners
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Reports indicate daily reports of extreme violence, death, evictions, and the expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank.
Does the Secretary of State agree that the violence in the West Bank must stop immediately? Can she assure the House that despite conflicts elsewhere, the Government are still focused on Gaza and the West Bank?
I have continued to raise the issue directly with the Israeli Government and our international partners. The huge displacement has devastating humanitarian consequences.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific measures or timeline for immediate cessation of violence were outlined
Working With Partners
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The Guardian reported on the forced displacement of civilians and attacks on medical facilities in Nabatieh, which may constitute war crimes.
What concrete measures are the UK Government putting in place to ensure that Israel ceases targeting civilian infrastructure?
The UK is providing additional funding and calls for a ceasefire. Talks between the Lebanese Government and the Israeli Government are also important.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific measures to prevent targeting of civilian infrastructure were outlined
Working With Partners
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
There is a call to ban settlement trade and cease military cooperation with Israel due to illegal attacks.
When will she ban settlement trade? When will she stop all military co-operation with Israel, which is conducting these illegal attacks?
We have put in place a series of measures that include introducing sanctions against Cabinet members in the Israeli Government.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific timeline or action plan for halting military cooperation was provided
Working With Partners
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
Declassified UK revealed that Israeli charity Shivat Zion assists British citizens in buying land in illegal west bank settlements, breaching international law. The organisation claims to utilise UK gift aid.
While atrocities against Palestinians occur daily including the killing of hundreds of children, it is disgusting to learn British citizens can easily purchase Palestinian land through an Israeli charity, which violates international law by claiming UK gift aid for illegal settlements. Will the Secretary of State urgently investigate and sanction any organisation involved in this illegal activity?
No one should be building illegal settlements on the west bank. We expect everyone to abide by international law. UK organisations must recognise that these settlements are illegal under international law.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to an urgent investigation or sanctioning any organisation
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
The Norwegian Refugee Council reported widespread sexual violence perpetrated against Palestinian women and girls by Israeli soldiers and settlers. This is considered a crime under international law.
Palestinians endure brutal suffering, and the NRC exposed rampant depraved sexual violence against Palestinian women and girls. That is abhorrent. What is she doing to take a firm stand against this cruelty, and will she commit to holding Israel accountable for these heinous crimes?
We prioritise tackling violence against women and girls in conflict zones. The report by the NRC has been raised with me. Crimes such as these are horrendous, and we will continue to pursue this matter.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to taking specific action against Israel
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK aims to recognise the Palestinian state, but Israeli policies aim to undermine this goal by expanding illegal settlements. Members of Israel's Security Cabinet are involved in these expansions.
My Government's objective is to recognize a Palestinian state, yet Israeli officials plan to expand illegal settlements to prevent a viable Palestinian state. Will she take firm action against settlement goods trade and impose further sanctions on Israeli leaders promoting such policies?
We have introduced three sanction packages concerning settler violence, including against Cabinet members. We continue to examine the issue of sanctions regarding settlements' expansion.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to banning UK trade in settlement goods or reviewing sanctions on Knesset members
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
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Context
Netanyahu's Security Cabinet is accused of committing war crimes under US support. The actions aim to destroy the two-state solution possibility, despite recent UK recognition of Palestine.
My constituents worry about Netanyahu's Security Cabinet committing international war crimes in Gaza and beyond. While we rightly recognised Palestine, Israeli actions target a two-state solution. Will she do everything possible to ban settlement goods from the UK and prohibit UK entities enabling illegal settlements?
We expect UK organisations, charities, businesses, and individuals to abide by international law, recognising that west bank settlements are illegal. Tariff preferences for illegal settlement goods are restricted.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to banning all settlement goods imports or preventing engagement by UK entities with illegal settlements
Response accuracy