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01 Apr
Question
Israeli Military Presence: West Bank

The debate session concentrated on the concern over the Israeli military presence in the West Bank and its implications for peace and security. Key issues revolved around human rights, civilian protection, and broader geopolitical dynamics, specifically involving Iran and terrorism.

Discussion Highlights:

  1. Foreign Policy Focused on Human Rights: Concern was raised about civilian safety and the need to minimize destruction in civilian areas during Israeli operations.
  2. Specific Case Highlighted: A poignant point was made about the tragic death of a 17-year-old Palestinian in Israeli detention, which pressed the UK Foreign Secretary for their stance on protecting Palestinians.
  3. International Coordination: The discussion extended beyond the UK, with emphasis on the international commitment to foster peace, notably through an upcoming Paris summit aimed at supporting a two-state solution.
17

Age of the Palestinian detainee who died in custody.

Comprehensive Points:

  • Vikki Slade focused on the accountability of Israel, calling for immediate actions by the UK to safeguard Palestinians from violence both by Israeli forces and settlers.
  • Mr. Lammy reiterated the UK's commitment to aid the Palestinian Authority and ensure security dialogues include protections for Palestinian civilians, while acknowledging Israeli security concerns linked to Iranian-backed terrorism.
  • Steve Yemm aimed attention towards the diplomatic efforts for an upcoming summit, seeking reassurance on UK's role in leading peace negotiations.
6 months

Duration the detainee was held without charge.

Outcome:

  • No formal resolutions or new commitments were attained in this session, but it articulated the UK government’s ongoing stance and diplomatic engagements concerning the West Bank.

Key Statistics with Context:

  • The mention of the Palestinian detainee highlights ongoing concerns around human rights issues.
  • The session underscored upcoming global cooperation efforts, including a summit in June focusing on the peace process led by France. This context aligns with UK's broader strategy on Middle Eastern policy, promoting a two-state solution.
21 March

Date of latest dialogue between UK and Israeli representatives reported by Mr. Lammy.

Outcome

The session underscored UK's diplomatic engagement and ongoing support for Palestinian governance structures in a bid to foster peace and security in the West Bank, while addressing legitimate Israeli security concerns.

Key Contributions

Vikki SladeMember of Parliament
Liberal Democrats

Raised concerns about Israeli military actions in the West Bank and their emboldening effect on illegal settlers.

Mr LammyForeign Secretary

Expressed worries over Israeli military operations in the West Bank affecting civilians and infrastructure.

Steve YemmMember of Parliament
Labour

Pressed for updates on UK's role towards the June summit in Paris focused on reinforcing a two-state solution.

Original Transcript
Vikki Slade
Mid Dorset and North Poole
LD
Question
UIN: 903547

13. What discussions he has had with his Israeli counterpart on that country's military presence in the west bank.

The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs
Mr David Lammy
12:18

We are concerned at the expansion of the Government of Israel’s war aims and operations in the west bank.

I made clear my serious concerns on the continuing Israeli operations when I spoke to the Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar on 5 March, as the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, my hon.

Friend the Member for Lincoln (Mr Falconer), said, but also on 21 March. We are clear that civilians must be protected and the destruction of civilian infrastructure minimised.

Vikki Slade
12:18

It emerged today that a 17-year-old Palestinian boy who had been taken from the west bank has died in Israeli detention, having been held for 6 months without charge. Israel has been striking inside the west bank, and in doing so emboldening illegal settlers in their own violence.

Given that Israel claims that it is targeting Hamas and not the people of Palestine itself, what specific actions is the Foreign Secretary taking to protect Palestinians in the west bank from both settler violence and Israeli forces?

Mr Lammy

The hon. Lady will know that we are giving considerable support to the Palestinian Authority in the west bank. We are in regular contact with President Abbas and Prime Minister Mustafa in relation to the west bank.

She has heard our concerns about both the violence and the expansion that is taking place in the west bank.

In my conversations with Ministers, I have heard legitimate concerns about security on the Israeli side and the way that Iran, sitting behind the scenes, is equipping some terrorist groups with guns and ammunition. We have to do our best to support Israel in standing up to that.

Steve Yemm
Mansfield
Lab
12:19

The Prime Minister’s commitment to host an international meeting this year in support of an international fund for Israeli-Palestinian peace has never been more timely.

Given the upcoming June summit in Paris in support of a two-state solution, can the Foreign Secretary provide for the House an update on progress towards meeting the Prime Minister’s pledge?

Mr Lammy

We are very grateful for the work that our French colleagues are doing in this regard, and we are working closely with them. We are putting together a plan, and I hope that the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, my hon.

Friend the Member for Lincoln, will be able to update the House in the coming weeks.

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All content derived from official parliamentary records