Written question asked by Fleur Anderson (Labour) on Thursday, 30 March 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 17 April 2023. It was answered by David Rutley (Conservative) on Monday, 17 April 2023 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Israel: Palestinians

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions with his Israeli counterpart on recent reports of (a) attacks on Palestinian healthcare personnel and facilities and (b) demolitions of Palestinian homes and infrastructure.

Answer: The UK strongly condemns all forms of violence towards healthcare workers, who should be able to go about their work without obstruction. Demolitions and evictions of Palestinians from their homes cause unnecessary suffering to ordinary Palestinians, call into question Israel's commitment to a viable two-state solution, and in all but the most exceptional of cases, demolitions by an occupying power are contrary to international humanitarian law. The Foreign Secretary met with Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen on March 21 in London and made clear the need to avoid actions which escalate tensions and violence.

Secondary information