Written question asked by Baroness Tonge (Non-affiliated) on Monday, 1 February 2021, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 February 2021. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Monday, 15 February 2021 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Palestinians: Evictions

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they plan to the government of Israel about reports that a Civil Administration official threatened Palestinians with expulsion from their homes if they invited (1) journalists, or (2) activists, to witness attacks on them by Israeli settlers.

Answer: We regularly make clear our concerns about the evictions of Palestinians from their homes in the West Bank to the Israeli authorities, both bilaterally and in co-operation with like-minded diplomatic partners. We regularly visit communities facing eviction from their homes. The Fourth Geneva Convention, which applies to all occupied territories, prohibits demolitions or forced evictions absent military necessity. We also continue to reiterate the importance of freedom of speech to the Israeli Government.

Secondary information