Written question asked by Caroline Lucas (Green Party) on Wednesday, 2 November 2022, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 7 November 2022. It was answered by Anne-Marie Trevelyan (Conservative) on Friday, 11 November 2022 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Israel: Palestinians

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made for the implications of his policies of the announcement of 27 October 2022 by the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory that it will investigate apartheid charges against Israel; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: The UK has been clear that we oppose the open-ended nature of the Commission of Inquiry on the situation in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza and its vaguely defined mandate. The cause of advancing human rights in Israel and the OPTs is not served by the disproportionate focus on Israel. We are also a firm supporter of the Human Rights Council and believe strongly in its mandate to protect human rights and secure accountability for abuses wherever these occur. However, this Commission of Inquiry does not further these goals. Any judgment on whether serious crimes under international law have occurred is a matter for judicial decision, rather than for governments or non-judicial bodies.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 77368
Session: 2022-23
Grouped for answer: Yes
Subjects: Israel Apartheid Palestine UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk