Palestine UK Aid 2020-01-29
2020-01-29
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK's commitment to Palestinian aid is questioned regarding its impact on fostering peace with Israel. Recent reports highlight 31 schools named after terrorists, causing concern over the curriculum promoting violence against Israelis.
What steps he is taking to ensure that UK aid to the Palestinians facilitates peace-building with Israel. UK taxpayers' aid pays the salaries of teachers in Palestinian Authority schools, yet at least 31 official PA schools are named after terrorists who killed innocent citizens. Does the Secretary of State share my concern that the children studying in those schools are being taught that it is honourable to commit violent acts against Israelis? Does he agree that, instead of prolonging the conflict by supporting such rhetoric, we must do more to press the Palestinians to stop glorifying terrorists and to use our aid as it is meant to be used?
We are clear with the Palestinian Authority on how we expect UK aid to be spent. Last week, I had a further meeting with the Palestinian Authority Education Minister, Professor Awartani, following our meeting in Ramallah last year. He expressed his commitment to the EU's review of teaching materials, as well as to the PA's own review, which will be available before the start of the academic year.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific issue of schools named after terrorists was not addressed directly.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The UK's commitment to Palestinian aid is questioned regarding its impact on fostering peace with Israel. Recent reports highlight 31 schools named after terrorists, causing concern over the curriculum promoting violence against Israelis.
What steps he is taking to ensure that UK aid to the Palestinians facilitates peace-building with Israel. UK taxpayers' aid pays the salaries of teachers in Palestinian Authority schools, yet at least 31 official PA schools are named after terrorists who killed innocent citizens. Does the Secretary of State share my concern that the children studying in those schools are being taught that it is honourable to commit violent acts against Israelis? Does he agree that, instead of prolonging the conflict by supporting such rhetoric, we must do more to press the Palestinians to stop glorifying terrorists and to use our aid as it is meant to be used?
My right hon. Friend is right to raise this matter. We are clear with the Palestinian Authority on how we expect UK aid to be spent. Last week, I had a further meeting with the Palestinian Authority Education Minister, Professor Awartani, following our meeting in Ramallah last year. He expressed his commitment to the EU's review of teaching materials, as well as to the PA's own review, which will be available before the start of the academic year.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific issue of schools named after terrorists was not addressed directly.
Response accuracy