§ Mrs. Anne CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment the Government has made of the impact of the Israel Defense Forces Order Concerning Security Directives (Judea and Samaria) (No.378), 1970 Declaration Concerning Closing of Area Number s/2/03 (seam area) (Judea and Samaria) on(a) the Palestinian population of the area between the Green Line and the separation wall and (b) the prospects for a future Palestinian state to include the territory between the Green Line and the separation wall; and if he will make a statement. [139013]
§ Mr. RammellInitial reporting by the UN and other organisations indicates that the designation of a "Closed Zone" between the fence and the Green Line is severely hampering Palestinian daily life. Permits, issued by the Israeli authorities, are required for those Palestinians who live and work on land now designated as part of the Closed Zone.
We are concerned that a system of permits will not meet the legitimate needs of affected Palestinians. Other permit systems operated by the Israel Defence Forces can be unaccountable, inconsistent, unappealable and lack transparency. We understand that a number of permanent residents and Palestinians who work in the Closed Zone have been refused permits. Some permanent residents have received permits which are only valid for a limited period of time, and access for vehicles has been limited.
The effect has been to curtail the ability of Palestinians in the Closed Zone to travel and to access basic services. It has also hindered the cultivation and harvest of crops, and the care of livestock in this area. The designation of a Closed Zone is contributing to an already acute humanitarian situation. Staff from the ebassy and Consulate-General visited parts of the Closed Zone on 13 November to see the effect on Palestinians in the area.
We understand Israel's need to take steps, within international law, to protect itself from terrorist attack. But unilateral measures, such as the fence, will not provide lasting security. We are deeply concerned by the route taken by the fence, Its construction on occupied territory creates a further physical obstacle to a two-state solution. We have called on both sides not to take actions which pre-empt a final agreement.
My noble Friend, the Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean, raised our concerns about the Closed Zone between the fence and the Green Line on 22 October with the Israeli ambassador, and on 29 October with the Israeli Minister for National Infrastructure.