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International Affairs

Many of us recall the admirably balanced statement made by the Minister for the Middle East on Monday when he said that"““we must impress on the Israelis the international rules of conflict. When civilians are killed and the terrible phrase ““collateral damage”” is used to describe what is seen as a legitimate attack, the impression given across the middle east and the world is not a good one.””" He also said:"““We certainly expect Israel to abide by international law and we are totally opposed to collective punishment.””—[Official Report, 17 June 2006; Vol. 449, c. 28-32.]" Is that still the Government’s position, and, if so, will the Foreign Secretary say so out loud? Otherwise, the great fear is that disproportionate action by Israel will invite exactly the same sort of response in future years by terrorists who wish to promote instability in the region.