Israeli Settlements: Crimes of Violence

The Foreign Secretary continues to raise the rights of Palestinians and the need for Israel to hold settler violence to account in his engagements with Israeli counterparts. and The Foreign Secretary has also met Palestinian community members in the West Bank where he heard how communities are affected. We have always been clear that Israeli settlements are illegal under international law and harm prospects for a two-state solution. We condemn settler violence, and we are clear that the Israeli government must crack down on settler violence, stop settlement expansion and reject annexation of the West Bank. The demolitions of Palestinian homes causes unnecessary extensive suffering to Palestinians. In all but the most exceptional of cases, demolitions by an occupying power are contraryct to international law. Israel must cease its policy of demolitions and provide a clear route to construction for Palestinians in Area C.