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Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Answer

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the impact of (a) house demolitions and (b) the barrier being built by Israel on the town of Wadi Fukin; and what representations he is making on the issue. [196077] Mr. Rammell: The Palestinian village of Wadi Fukin lies between the Green Line and the proposed route of the Israeli barrier, and near to several Israeli settlements. We understand that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have issued orders to appropriate Wadi Fukin agricultural lands for `security purposes', although there have not as yet been any demolitions. IDF checkpoints have resulted in significant restrictions on freedom of movement for the town's population. We fully recognise Israel's right to defend itself against terrorist attack. But it must act within the parameters of international law. The demolition of homes amounts to collective punishment, harms innocent civilians and exacerbates tension. We have repeatedly made clear our objections to the route of the barrier through, and demolitions within, the Occupied Territories. We have not made specific representations about the town of Wadi Fukin.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

196077; 426 c634W;426 c626-7W

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Armed conflict Demolition Borders Housing Walls and fences Israel Palestine Middle East

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk