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: Health Services

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the statement by the Palestinian Authority's Minister of Health on 26 January requesting the intervention of international human rights organisations to stop the demolition of a health clinic in Zanouta.

Answer: The UK regularly raises demolitions with the Government of Israel. The Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa raised his concerns about demolitions of Palestinian and humanitarian structures, including healthcare centres, with the Israeli Ambassador on 29 October 2020. UK officials from the British Consulate in Jerusalem have made regular visits to areas at risk of demolition and eviction to reiterate UK support for those communities. The UK also urged the Government of Israel to end demolitions of property in the West Bank at the UN Security council on 26 January 2021. The UK is clear that in all but the most exceptional of circumstances, demolitions are contrary to International Humanitarian Law. The practice causes unnecessary suffering to ordinary Palestinians and is harmful to the peace process.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL12870
Session: 2019-21
Related items: Palestinians: Health Services
Tuesday, 16 March 2021
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Demolition Clinics Human rights
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk