Written question asked by Baroness Janke (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 9 January 2023, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 January 2023. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Wednesday, 25 January 2023 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Israel: Palestinians

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the reported demolition of a primary school in Khirbet a-Safai al-Foqa in Masafer Yatta by Israeli forces and confiscation of its equipment in November 2022, what assessment they have made of whether the educational rights of Palestinian children under occupation by the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 are being upheld.

Answer: The UK is firmly committed to ensuring access to education for all Palestinians. 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. It is essential to have a strong and thriving Palestinian education system in order to provide opportunities, economic development and hope for the next generation. I reinforced this message during my visit to a UK donor funded school facing demolition on 12 January, and urged Israel to desist demolitions and evictions which cause unnecessary suffering to Palestinians and, in all but the most exceptional of cases, violate International Humanitarian Law.

Secondary information