Question from Seema Malhotra (Labour) on 8th February 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the situation in Jenin.
Answer by David Rutley (Conservative) on 20th February 2023
The Minister for the Middle East, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, set out on 26 January 2023 that Israel has a right to self-defence but security operations must be in line with international law. Where security measures are required, we encourage Israel to deploy these in a way which minimises tension and the use of appropriate force. In instances where there have been accusations of excessive use of force, we advocate for swift, transparent investigations. We will continue to stress the importance of the Israeli security forces providing appropriate protection to the Palestinian civilian population, particularly the need to protect children, and urge restraint in the use of live fire.
Question from Baroness Janke (Lib Dem) on 9th January 2023 (HL4572)
To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the reported use of lethal force by Israeli forces in occupied territories to dispel civilian demonstrations.
Answer by Lord Ahmad (Conservative) on 23rd January 2023
The UK has repeatedly made clear to Israel our longstanding opposition about the manner in which the Israel Defence Forces use lethal force, particularly in the policing of non-violent protests and the border areas. We encourage them to carry out swift, transparent and thorough investigations and, if wrongdoing is found, that those responsible be held to account. We will continue to stress the importance of the Israeli security forces providing appropriate protection to the Palestinian civilian population, as I made clear during my visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories on 10-13 January.
Question by Claire Hannah ( Social Democrat and Labour Party) on 16th May 2022 (UIN 2697)
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the (a) fatal shooting of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh in the West Bank and (b) attack on pallbearers as they carried her coffin; and what steps the Government is taking in response to these events.
Answer from Amanda Milling (Conservative) on 19th May 2022
On 11 May, I publicly expressed my sadness upon hearing news of the tragic death of veteran Palestinian Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Aqleh, and called for a thorough investigation. The Foreign Secretary also made this clear in a statement on 12 May. We were also deeply disturbed by the scenes in Jerusalem at her funeral. Her death was a tragedy and those mourning must be treated with respect and dignity. We call for urgent steps to de-escalate tensions and for restraint in the use of force. The UK Ambassador to Israel has reiterated the importance of an investigation with the Israeli authorities. The safety of journalists across the globe is vital and they must be protected when carrying out their critical work.
Question by Baroness Sheehan (Lib Dems) on 24th January 2022 (HL5646)
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to protect (1) Palestinians in territory occupied by Israel, and (2) human rights activists, from violent attacks by Israeli settlers.
Answer from Lord Ahmad on 7th February 2022
The UK regularly raises the issue of settler violence with the Government of Israel, most recently with Israel’s Ministry of Defence on 20 January. We welcome discussion by the Israeli authorities on how to address this issue, and urge Israel to bring those responsible to justice.
Question by Baroness Sheehan (Lib Dem) on 10th January 2022 (HL5265)
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of recent reports that 2021 saw the highest number of Palestinians killed by Israeli forces since 2014; and that demolitions by Israeli forces reached a five-year high, making nearly 900 Palestinians homeless.
Answer from Lord Ahmad (Conservative) on 24th January 2022
We raise the issue of the high numbers of Palestinians killed and injured by Israeli Defence Forces in the West Bank and Gaza with the Israeli authorities, encouraging them to carry out swift, transparent and thorough investigations. We continue to stress the importance of the Israeli security forces providing appropriate protection to the Palestinian civilian population and urge restraint in the use of live fire. The UK also raises the issue of demolitions, confiscations and forced evictions of Palestinians from their homes with the Government of Israel, most recently with Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 9 December.
Question by Baroness Janke (Lib Dem) on 10th January 2022 (HL5242)
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the government of Israel concerning the increasing number of injuries to Palestinians by Israeli settlers supported by Israeli forces.
Answer from Lord Ahmad (Conservative) on 24th January 2022
The UK regularly raises the issue of settler violence with the Government of Israel, most recently with Israel’s Ministry of Defence on 4 January. We welcome discussion by the Israeli authorities’ on how to address this issue, and urge Israel to bring those responsible to justice and end the culture of impunity. We continue to stress the importance of the Israeli security forces providing appropriate protection to the Palestinian civilian population.
Question by Baroness Sheehan (Lib Dem) on November 22nd 2021 (HL4300)
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the concern expressed by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East on 19 November about the killing of 15 year old Mohammad Daadas; and what assessment they have made of the number of Palestinians (1) killed, and (2) injured, by live fire since the beginning of the year.
Answer from Lord Ahmad (Conservative) on 6th December 2021
On 6 November the Minister for the Middle East and North Africa James Cleverly publicly expressed condolences to the family of 13 year old Mohammed Da’das, who was killed near Nablus following clashes between Palestinians and Israeli Defence Forces. We have urged the Israeli authorities to carry out a swift and thorough investigation. Our Embassy in Tel Aviv raised the case with Israel Defence Forces directly. We regularly raise the issue of the high numbers of Palestinians killed and injured by Israel Defence Forces in the West Bank and Gaza with the Israeli authorities, encouraging them to carry out transparent investigations into whether the use of live fire had been appropriate. We also regularly raise the importance of the Israeli security forces’ adherence to the principles of necessity and proportionality when defending its legitimate security interest. We continue to stress the importance of the Israeli security forces providing appropriate protection to the Palestinian civilian population, in particular the need to protect children, and urge restraint in the use of live fire.
Question by Baroness Sheehan (Lib Dem) on 12th April 2021 (HL14830)
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to protect Palestinians living in the West Bank from violence from Israeli settlers.
Answer from Lord Ahmad (Conservative) on 26th April 2021
We welcome the Government of Israel’s decision to establish a special governmental unit and implement legislative changes to tackle settler violence. Nonetheless, we continue to urge the Israeli authorities to thoroughly investigate every instance and to bring those responsible to justice and end the culture of impunity. Our long-standing objective is a negotiated two-state solution which will allow Palestinians and Israelis to live in peace, lessening the likelihood of politically driven violence and incitement to violence.
Question by Baroness Tonge (Independent) on 2nd February 2021 (HL12920)
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have made any assessment of the number of indictments of Israeli citizens by the government of Israel for charges relating (1) to the assault of Palestinians, and (2) to damage to Palestinian property; and if so, what steps they are taking in the light of any such assessment
Answer from Lord Ahmad (Conservative) on 16th February 2021
We have not made this assessment. We welcome the Government of Israel’s strong condemnation of settler violence, as well as the establishment of a special governmental unit and legislative changes. Nonetheless, we continue to urge the Israeli authorities to thoroughly investigate every instance and to bring those responsible to justice and end the culture of impunity. We have stressed the importance of the Israeli security forces providing appropriate protection to the Palestinian civilian population.
Question by Ben Lake (Plaid Cymru) on 16th October 2020 (UIN 104761)
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Israeli counterpart on the protection of West Bank Palestinians during the olive harvest season.
Answer from James Cleverly (Conservative) on 23rd October
The UK condemns any incidence of violence by settlers against Palestinians. We recognise that there can be an increase in assaults on Palestinian farmers, the destruction of olive trees and the stealing of produce coinciding with the Palestinian olive harvest, which began earlier this month. We have expressed our concerns to the Israeli Government on a number of occasions.
Under international law, Israel, as the occupying power, has an obligation to take all measures in its power to protect the Palestinian population from acts of violence. We continue to stress the importance of the Israeli security forces providing appropriate protection to the Palestinian civilian population. We welcome the efforts of Israeli authorities to address settler violence, and urge them to thoroughly investigate every instance and bring those responsible to justice.
Question by Baroness Tonge (Independent) on 14th September 2020 (HL7734)
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking with the government of Israel to provide protection to Palestinian farmers in the West Bank from attacks by Israeli settlers.
Answer from Lord Ahmad (Conservative) on 14th September 2020
We are troubled by reports of assaults on farmers and vandalism of agricultural land. We continue to raise with Israeli counterparts our concerns about Israeli settler violence, and continue to stress the importance of the Israeli security forces providing appropriate protection to the Palestinian civilian population.
Question by Baroness Tonge (Independent) on 23rd June 2020 (HL6099)
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the government of Israel about reports that (1) crops have been burnt by Israeli settlers, and (2) that Israeli soldiers prevented Palestinians putting out the fire.
Answer from Lord Ahmad (Conservative) on 6th July 2020
We have not made an assessment of these reports. We continue to raise with Israeli counterparts our concerns about settler violence and have also stressed the importance of the Israel security forces providing appropriate protection to the Palestinian civilian population.
Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they are making to the government of Israel about the reported increase of violence by settlers towards Palestinian property in Al-Tuwani and elsewhere, including the destruction of olive groves and writing offensive graffiti. (HL16124)
Answer: Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on: 17 June 2019
We continue to condemn violence by settlers against Palestinians and stress the importance of the Israel security forces providing appropriate protection to the Palestinian civilian population. Officials from our Embassy in Tel Aviv raised settler violence with the Israeli Ministry of Justice on 6 June. Under international law, Israel, as the occupying power, has an obligation to take all measures in its power to protect the Palestinian population from acts of violence.
Q Asked by Lord Hylton on: 29 January 2019
Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Israeli Settlements: Palestinians HL13216
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, following the manslaughter charge given to a teenager for the death of Aisha al-Rabi in the West Bank, whether they have held discussions with the government of Israel about the equal treatment in law of Israeli settlers and Palestinians who have committed acts of violence.
A Answered by: Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on 11 February 2019
Whilst we have not raised this issue specifically with the Israeli Government, we condemn all violence by settlers against Palestinians and urge the Israeli authorities to thoroughly investigate every instance and bring those responsible to justice. We repeatedly call on Israel to abide by its obligations under international law and have a regular dialogue with Israel on legal issues relating to the occupation.
Q Asked by Baroness Tonge (Independent) on 08 January 2019
Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Israeli Settlements: Palestinians HL12684
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they intend to make to the government of Israel following reports of attacks against Palestinian farmers and shepherds by Israeli settlers in the West Bank.
A Answered by: Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) 21 January 2019
We are aware of reports about attacks against Palestinian farmers. While we have not raised this specific issue, officials from our Embassy in Tel Aviv raised the issue of settler violence and the importance of accountability with the Israeli authorities on 3 January. Our Ambassador to Israel discussed the issue of settler violence with the Israeli Attorney General on 6 November. The British Government condemns any violence by settlers against Palestinians. Under international law, Israel, as the occupying power, has an obligation to take all measures in its power to protect the Palestinian population from all acts of violence.
Q Asked by Baroness Tonge (Independent) on 26 November 2018
Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Hebron: Ambulance Services. HL11818
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they are making to the government of Israel about allegations of an attack by Jewish settlers in the Old City of Hebron on Red Crescent ambulances trying to transfer Palestinian patients to hospital.
A Answered by: Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on 06 December 2018
While we have not made representations on this specific issue, officials from our Embassy in Tel Aviv raised the issue of settler violence and the importance of accountability with the Israeli Ministry of Justice on 29 October. The British Government condemns any violence by settlers against Palestinians. We are clear that medical staff should have the protection that allows them to do their jobs in safety.
Q Asked by Baroness Tonge (Independent) on 12 December 2018
Foreign and Commonwealth Office: West Bank: Sewage. HL12271
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the government of Israel about the contamination of schools and communities in the West Bank with sewage, reportedly dumped by Israeli settlers.
A Answered by: Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on 21 December 2018
While we have not raised this specific issue with the Israeli authorities, we have made clear to the Israeli authorities our concerns about the humanitarian and environmental impact of the damage to water sources and the destruction of Palestinian agricultural land that has been caused by settlement-related activity. We condemn the destruction of Palestinian property and have called on the Israeli authorities to cease such activity.
Q Asked by Baroness Tonge (Independent) 08 January 2019
Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Israel: West Bank. HL12681
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the government of Israel about the safety and security of the Palestinian population following a reported increase in Israeli violence against Palestinians in the West Bank including East Jerusalem, during the second half of December 2018.
A Answered by: Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) 21 January 2019
Officials from our Embassy in Tel Aviv raised the issue of settler violence and the importance of accountability with the Israeli authorities on 3 January. Our Ambassador to Israel discussed the issue of settler violence with the Israeli Attorney General on 6 November. The British Government condemns any violence by settlers against Palestinians. Under international law, Israel, as the occupying power, has an obligation to take all measures in its power to protect the Palestinian population from all acts of violence.
Q Asked by Baroness Tonge (Independent) 24 January 2019
Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Israeli Settlements: Palestinians. HL13137
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will make representations to the government of Israel to protect Palestinian farmers in Area C of the West Bank whose trees and vineyards have been destroyed by settlers.
A Answered by: Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) 05 February 2019
Officials from our Embassy in Tel Aviv raised the issue of settler violence and the importance of accountability with the Israeli authorities on 3 January. We are aware of the difficulties facing Palestinian olive growers. We have expressed our serious concerns to the Israeli Government and security officials about the destruction of olive trees and the prevention of access to them on a number of occasions. The British Government condemns any violence by settlers against Palestinians. Under international law, Israel, as the occupying power, has an obligation to take all measures in its power to protect the Palestinian population from all acts of violence.
Q Asked by Baroness Tonge (Independent) on 08 January 2019
Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Israeli Settlements: Palestinians. HL12685
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they intend to take to protect Palestinians in the West Bank whose land is being used by Israeli settlers to build new settlements under the protection of the Israeli military.
A Answered by: Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on 21 January 2019
The Government funds a number of projects to monitor and report on settlement expansion in East Jerusalem and the West Bank and to protect vulnerable Palestinian communities from the effects of settlement expansion. The Minister for the Middle East and North Africa issued a statement on 27 December expressing our disappointment in the latest announcement by the Government of Israel to advance over 2,800 housing units in settlements in the West Bank. Such actions are illegal under international law and call into question Israel’s commitment to any future peace agreement with the Palestinians. We strongly urge Israel to cease such actions. We regularly raise our grave concerns on this issue with the Government of Israel and urge it to reverse its policy of settlement expansion.