Written question asked by Baroness Tonge (Non-affiliated) on Tuesday, 8 December 2020, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 22 December 2020. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Tuesday, 22 December 2020 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Palestinians: Children's Rights

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the rights of children under the Convention on the Rights of the Child of reports that the Israel Defence Force is conducting night time raids on families in Palestine; and what representations they have made to the government of Israel about respecting such rights as a signatory to that Convention.

Answer: While we recognise Israel's legitimate need to deploy security measures, we encourage them to deploy these in a way which minimises tension. We repeatedly call on Israel to abide by its obligations under international law and have a regular dialogue with Israel on legal issues relating to the occupation, including the treatment of Palestinian children. We continue to stress the importance of the Israeli security forces providing appropriate protection to the Palestinian civilian population, in particular the need to protect children.

Secondary information