Written question asked by Baroness Tonge (Independent Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 17 November 2014, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 1 December 2014. It was answered by Baroness Northover (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 1 December 2014 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Palestinians

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the loss to the Palestinian economy each year through the destruction of olive trees; and whether they have any plans to ensure that such losses will be repaired.

Answer: The UN reports that between 2009 and August 2014, nearly 50,000 fruit-bearing trees, mainly olive trees, were destroyed or damaged in incidents of settler violence. The UK has repeatedly raised our concerns about incidents of settler violence and intimidation with the Israeli authorities. We have stressed the importance of bringing the extremist settlers responsible to justice and of the Israel security forces providing appropriate protection to the Palestinian civilian population. The UK will continue to argue for a just outcome for all the people affected by illegal settlement construction and the confiscation of land due to the Separation Barrier.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL2862
Session: 2014-15
Related items: Palestinians
Wednesday, 17 December 2014
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Tree felling Trees Palestine Olives
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk