Written question asked by Baroness Brinton (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Howell of Guildford (Conservative) on Thursday, 11 August 2011.

Israel

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the Government of Israel regarding the uprooting of olive trees by troops and Israeli settlers in Deir Istiya in the northern West Bank.

Answer: We are aware of the incident that the noble Baroness mentions. This is important both because olive groves are the sole source of income for many subsistence farmers and olive trees are a national symbol for Palestinians. We have raised our concerns about such incidents with the Co-ordinator of Government Activities in the Territories and the Israel Defence Forces. Our staff in the consulate general in Jerusalem will continue to do so.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 11459; 729 c469WA
Session: 2010-12
Notes: Answer received between Monday 1 August 2011 and Monday 8 August 2011.
Subjects: Tree felling Israel Palestine West Bank Olives
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk