HC Deb 10 January 1996 vol 269 c248W
32. Mr. McAvoy

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance his office is giving the Government of Israel in pursuing their policy of withdrawal from Palestinian territory. [6870]

Mr. Hanley

We welcome the redeployment of Israeli forces from the west bank and Gaza, a policy which we have consistently encouraged. Our aid to the Palestinians, of £83 million over three years, now with an additional £2 million which I announced yesterday in Paris, is a major contribution towards assisting Palestinian development, and promoting peace and stability in the west bank and Gaza strip.

39. Mr. Burden

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on progress towards self-rule in the west bank and Gaza. [6877]

Mr. Hanley

Israeli defence forces left Gaza and Jericho last year and, under the terms of the interim agreement, have now left all major towns of the west bank apart from Hebron.

Preparations are in hand for elections to a new Palestinian Council on 20 January.