Written question asked by Baroness Tonge (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 15 July 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 22 July 2004. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Thursday, 22 July 2004 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to the Israeli Government concerning the crushing to death of Ibrahim Mahmoud Khalafallah during the demolition of homes in Gaza.

Answer: Dr. Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Israeli Government concerning the crushing to death of Ibrahim Mahmoud Khalafallah during the demolition of homes in Gaza. [185443] Mr. Rammell: The demolition of homes is a form of collective punishment and harms innocent civilians. It fuels anger among Palestinians and makes a peaceful settlement more difficult to achieve. We continue to raise our concerns with the Government of Israel about such actions. We recognise Israel's right to defend itself against terrorism, but it must act within the parameters of international law. We have not made specific representations to the Government of Israel concerning the death of Ibrahim Mahmoud Khalafallah.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 424 c546W;424 c547W; 185443
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Death Demolition International law Terrorism Israel Palestine Gaza Khalafallah, Ibrahim Mahmoud
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk