PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
West Bank: Foreign Aid (15 October 2020)

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with (a) EU and (b) West Bank Protection Consortium members on (i) deducting funds from EU-Israel bilateral support and (ii) securing other compensation for demolished projects and seized aid in the West Bank.

Asked by:
Anna McMorrin (Labour)

The UK is concerned by the continued demolitions of Palestinian structures by Israeli authorities. In all but the most exceptional of circumstances demolitions are contrary to International Humanitarian Law. We have made clear to the Israeli authorities our serious concern at the increase in demolitions of Palestinian properties in the West Bank and in East Jerusalem. The UK is focused on preventing demolitions from happening in the first place through our legal aid programme, which supports Bedouin communities and Palestinians facing demolition or home eviction in both the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The UK and international partners will continue to call bilaterally, and in international fora, for Israel to cease demolitions and provide a clear, transparent route to construction for Palestinians in Area C. No funds have been deducted from EU-Israel bilateral support. We have consulted a number of EU and West Bank Protection Consortium partners on the issue of compensation. They share our concerns. We are keeping the case for compensation under review.

Answered by:
Sir James Cleverly (Conservative)
20 October 2020