Written question asked by Baroness Tonge (Non-affiliated) on Tuesday, 8 November 2016, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 22 November 2016. It was answered by Baroness Anelay of St Johns (Conservative) on Monday, 21 November 2016 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Israel: Trees

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the government of Israel regarding reports of the illegal destruction by Israeli settlers of olive trees owned by Palestinians, including those of Hani Fanun.

Answer: While we have not raised this specific issue with the Israeli authorities, we note the particular sensitivities around olive trees given their status as a national symbol and the sole source of income for many Palestinian farmers. We have repeatedly raised with the Israeli authorities our concerns about incidents of settler violence (including the destruction of olive trees) and intimidation, including the importance of bringing the extremist settlers responsible to justice and of the Israeli security forces providing appropriate protection to the Palestinian civilian population.

Secondary information