Thank you for contacting me about Israel and the Disputed Territories.
The UK Government's position is clear and long-standing. There should be a negotiated settlement leading to a safe and secure Israel living alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.
To this end, the UK Government believes it necessary repeatedly to call on Israel – both bilaterally and via the UN – to abide by its obligations under international law and is in close dialogue with Israel regarding various issues relating to the Territories. The UK continues to urge all parties to de-escalate. Israel has a legitimate right to self-defence, and the right to defend its citizens from attack. In doing so, it is vital that all actions are proportionate, in line with international humanitarian law, and make every effort to avoid civilian casualties.
Indeed, Israel and the Territories remain a human rights priority for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Befitting this, Ministers in London and officials in Tel Aviv continue to monitor all issues relating to the Territories and raise concerns with the relevant authorities, and via the appropriate multilateral fora, accordingly.
The continued loss of innocent lives and injured civilians, especially children, highlights the urgent need for restraint, calm and respect for dignity of human life from all parties. My thoughts are with all those who have been affected by the ongoing violence.
Medical facilities and personnel have clear protections under international humanitarian law and I know my ministerial colleagues in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office continue to urge all parties to abide by their obligations under international law.
The accelerating cycle of violence in the West Bank risks another round of bloodshed, threatening the lives of both Palestinians and Israelis. Alongside HMG, I unequivocally condemn all forms of terrorism and violence against civilians, including the terrorist attack on 20 June in Eli targeting Israeli civilians, and the ongoing violence between settlers and Palestinians. While the UK firmly supports Israel's right to defend itself and its citizens against terrorism, the UK urges the Israel Defence Forces to continue to demonstrate restraint, adhere to the principles of international humanitarian law, and prioritise the protection of civilians. Indeed, where excessive force is used by any party, the UK calls for swift and transparent investigations to uphold accountability.
There is no doubt that this escalation of violence in the West Bank is reducing the prospects for peace and the UK continues to call on all parties to de-escalate and I understand the Foreign Secretary discussed this with the Israeli Foreign Minister and the Palestinian Prime Minister on 26 and 16 June respectively. I am assured my ministerial colleagues are doing all they can to de-escalate the security situation in the West Bank and encourage a negotiated two-state solution which ends the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Settlements
HMG takes the view that that Israeli settlements cause unnecessary suffering to Palestinians, call into question Israel's commitment to a viable two-state solution, and, in all but the most exceptional of cases, are contrary to International Law. Ministers have been calling for their expansion to cease with immediate and permanent effect.
On the issue of bilateral trade, the UK does not recognise the OPTs and settlements there as part of Israel. Goods from settlements are not covered by the UK-Israel Trade and Partnership Agreement and do not receive preferential tariff treatment. While it is ultimately a decision for an individual or company as to whether to operate in the settlements in the OPTs, the UK Government neither encourages nor offers support to individuals or companies who operate in settlements in the OPTs.
Palestinian Prisoners
Support for international humanitarian law (IHL) is a fundamental element of the UK's foreign policy. As a country, we have a strong history of upholding and promoting IHL, and we consistently call on state and non-state actors alike to respect IHL and to act in accordance with their obligations under it. Indeed, the UK regularly emphasises the importance of treating prisoners and detainees humanely and in accordance with IHL.
Nevertheless, the number of Palestinians who have been detained and imprisoned in the West Bank is concerning the UK Government. Reports of Palestinians being imprisoned without a fair trial in contravention of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Israel is a signatory, are particularly concerning, if verified; as is the continued transfer of Palestinian child detainees to prisons inside Israel, in violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention. Our Embassy in Tel Aviv is in regular dialogue with Israel on this issue, and the UK also continues to fund projects providing legal aid to minors and capacity building to local lawyers.
Thomas Hurndall
A soldier was convicted for the manslaughter of Mr Hurndall and served six years in prison for his crime.
Whilst I appreciate this may not be what you want to hear, I will not be signing this EDM.
Due to the relationship that the UK and Israel share, I know that my ministerial colleagues in the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) regularly raise the importance of the Israeli security force's adherence to the principles of necessity and proportionality when exercising its legitimate right to self-defence.
Key to peace is the recognition of Israel's right to exist and the ending of the campaign of violence against Israelis specifically its Jewish population.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Craig Whittaker MP
July 2023