Israel: Palestinians
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations he has made to the Israeli Government in response to proposals to forcibly relocate the Palestinian population of Gaza.
Answered by Mr Hamish Falconer
We have been clear: Palestinian territory must not be reduced in the conduct of this war, and we do not support the forced displacement of people. Palestinian civilians must be permitted to return to their communities and rebuild their lives. We are appalled by Minister Katz's comments on creating a new "humanitarian city" and displacing the population of Gaza to Rafah. Israeli Finance Minister Smotrich has spoken of Palestinians "being relocated to third countries". We condemn this in the strongest possible terms. The Foreign Secretary spoke to Israel's Foreign Minister Sa'ar on 24 August, and we continue to press this issue with the Israeli Government.
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