Israel: Palestinians
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his counterpart in Israel on preventing the forced displacement of Palestinians in Masafer Yatta in the West Bank.
Answered by Mr Hamish Falconer
This government has been clear that stability in the West Bank is crucial. All sides should work to ensure a lowering of tension in the West Bank at this time. The risk of instability is serious and the need for de-escalation urgent. We continue to call on Israeli authorities to exercise restraint, adhere to international law, and clamp down on the actions of those who seek to inflame tensions. The UK is clear that Israeli settlements are illegal under international law and harm prospects for a two-state solution. Israel must clamp down on settler violence and end settlement expansion. We are also clear that in all but the most exceptional of cases, demolitions by an occupying power are contrary to International Humanitarian Law. The Foreign Secretary discussed the West Bank with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar on 15 April and has raised the situation in the West Bank with other international counterparts. During previous visits he has met with Palestinian community members in the West Bank where he heard how communities are affected.
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