Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Brian Iddon (Labour). It was answered on Tuesday, 29 November 2005 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Middle East

Question: The Israelis are currently rehousing 1,000 settlers every month in the west bank—11,000 so far this year alone—which is greater than the number of settlers withdrawn from Gaza. Surely is that not also a threat to bringing peace between the two sides in the middle east?

Answer: We constantly make representations to the Government of Israel about their settlement policy, particularly where the settlements are on Palestinian land, and about the way in which some of the settlement activity is, in our view, intended to make unalterable facts on the ground and thereby restrict the opportunities available in final-status talks. That said, the quicker both parties get back to the road map and the current, more hopeful environment is pursued, the better it will be for Israelis and Palestinians alike.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 440 c127-8
Session: 2005-06
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Middle East Peace negotiations Armed conflict Terrorism Israel Hezbollah
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk