PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY AID (22 April 2007)

That this House notes the recent survey commissioned by Oxfam showing that the suspension of financial transfers to the Palestinian Authority following the victory of Hamas in parliamentary elections last year has had a devastating impact on the lives of ordinary Palestinians; recognises that half of the 677 Palestinian households interviewed in Oxfam's survey reported the loss of more than 60 per cent. of their income and that 90 per cent. of the 67 senior managers reported cutting their health, education and water services because of this reduction in funding; furthermore supports the view that a viable two state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will be impossible to achieve if Palestinian institutions collapse; and calls upon the Government to consider the recommendations made in the report, particularly that the international community resume direct aid to the Palestinian Authority, that the Israeli government release the Palestinian tax and customs revenues it is withholding and that diplomatic efforts be intensified to ensure an ongoing ceasefire and political dialogue.

Sponsored by:
Sir Peter Bottomley (Conservative)