HC Deb 10 April 1978 vol 947 cc336-7W
Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will ask the Secretary General of the United Nations to investigate allegations that Israeli forces of the South Lebanon have systematically wrecked the homes of civilians which escaped destruction by military action.

Mr. Judd

My right hon. Friend is naturally concerned at these reports, and at the losses suffered by civilians in South Lebanon. The primary task of the Secretary-General must of course be to confirm the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and to restore, through the United Nations interim force in Lebanon, full peace and security there.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate has been made by United Nations authorities of the number of refugees driven out of South Lebanon as a result of Israeli aggression.

Mr. Judd

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency, which assist Palestinian refugees in Lebanon and elsewhere, estimated on 23rd March that about 65,000 Palestinian refugees in South Lebanon had been displaced. With Lebanese civilians, I believe the total number of people displaced may be between 150,000 and 200,000.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will ask the United Nations Security Council to investigate obstruction by the Israeli forces in South Lebanon designed to prevent civilians returning to their homes and villages.

Mr. Judd

The purpose of the Security Council in setting up the United Nations interim force in Lebanon was to establish conditions of normality which, among other things, would permit civilians to return to their homes. Until Israeli withdrawal has taken place, it would be premature to ask the Security Council to undertake such an investigation.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if it is part of the intention of the United Nations position in South Lebanon that all persons driven out by Israeli aggression shall be unconditionally permitted to return to their homes.

Mr. Judd

The mandate of the United Nations interim force in Lebanon was set out in Security Council Resolution 426 adopted on 19th March. It includes the task of ensuring the peaceful character of the area of operation, and the control of movement. The execution of this mandate is a matter for the Secretary-General.

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