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International Fund for Israeli-Palestinian Peace — [Clive Efford in the Chair]

17 November 2020

Lead MP

Catherine McKinnell
Newcastle upon Tyne North
Lab

Responding Minister

James Duddridge

Tags

Foreign Affairs
Word Count: 12655
Other Contributors: 10

At a Glance

Catherine McKinnell raised concerns about international fund for israeli-palestinian peace — [clive efford in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key Requests to Government:

The MP asks the Minister for three undertakings: to meet her and other colleagues to discuss reinstating UK's financial support for peace-building work and reinvigorating support for the international fund; to ask officials to explore the possibility of the UK requesting one of two international partner seats in the new middle east partnership for peace advisory board; at the earliest opportunity after 20 January, to discuss with the Biden Administration how the middle east partnership fund for peace might evolve into a truly international institution.

How the Debate Unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:

Lead Contributor

Newcastle upon Tyne North
Opened the debate
The obstacles to a two-state solution are well known, including settlement building by the Israeli Government, actions of the Palestinian Authority, and refusal of terrorist groups to accept Israel's right to exist. The prospect of a two-state solution is threatened by growing belief among Israelis and Palestinians under the age of 30 that it is no longer possible. Over the past 25 years, the high hopes of Oslo have given way to fear, mistrust and pessimism.

Government Response

James Duddridge
Government Response
Confirmed the Government's commitment to maintaining the viability of the two-state solution. Noted no current plans to commit financial support to the International Fund for Israeli-Palestinian Peace but committed to engaging with Alliance for Middle East Peace and its members. Mentioned ongoing work in Gaza, West Bank, and across Palestinian territories including £20 million funding for health workers' salaries. Highlighted importance of people-to-people programmes and willingness to review programme opportunities. Emphasised the need to rebuild trust through ending detrimental actions on the ground, such as settlement expansion.
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy

About Westminster Hall Debates

Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.