§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions his Department has had with the Israeli government on(a) the imprisonment of citizens for refusal to serve in the occupied territories and (b) Palestinians held in custody without charge. [99999]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienWe regularly raise with the Israeli authorities our concerns about their holding Palestinians in custody without charge. Israel, like all states, has the right to defend itself against terrorism, but it must act within international law.
1179WWe have not lobbied Israel about Israeli citizens imprisoned for refusing to serve in the Occupied Territories.