Written question asked by Lord Hylton (Crossbench) on Tuesday, 13 April 2021, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 27 April 2021. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Tuesday, 27 April 2021 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Israel: Palestinians

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to support free and fair elections (1) in Palestine, and (2) in Israel.

Answer: We have welcomed President Abbas' announcement of dates for legislative and Presidential elections in the Occupied Palestinian Territories for the first time since 2006. We encourage the Palestinian leadership to work toward strong, inclusive, accountable and democratic institutions, based on respect for the rule of law and human rights. Free and fair elections are an important and necessary step. The UK will work closely with the Palestinian Authority and international partners to support this, including encouraging the Government of Israel to allow elections in East Jerusalem, in keeping with the Oslo Accords. The Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa spoke to the Israeli Ambassador to the UK on 19 April to reiterate the importance of Palestinians living in East Jerusalem being permitted to vote in Palestinian Legislative Council elections. We also look forward to maintaining excellent relations with the new Israeli government, when formed, and working closely together.

Secondary information