I was recently urged by some constituents to comment on the Israeli settlement building in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and the displacement of the Bedouin community.
It is my understanding that the British Embassy in Tel Aviv continues to monitor the situation, having raised this issue with the Ministry of Justice and the Israeli Prime Minister's office. The Government remains deeply concerned by Israeli relocation proposals, which the UN has said could have a devastating impact on the communities concerned and endanger the potential for a two-state solution.
The Government’s view is clear: demolitions cause unnecessary suffering to ordinary Palestinians, running contrary to international law and threatening peace in the region. I am assured that the Government will continues to encourage the Israeli authorities and Bedouin communities to engage in a dialogue, respecting the equality of all of Israel's citizens in a way which avoids forced relocations, and is consistent with Israel's commitments under international law.
As you will know, I remain entirely committed to the Government’s ambition to secure a permanent and peaceful solution, and I would like to see Israel and Palestine existing in peace and in accordance with the borders agreed in 1967. Decades of animosity must end and people of all races and religions should be able to live in independent nations, respecting neighbouring countries and their borders.