Israel (Hansard, 19 April 2004)

§ Mr. Dismore
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance he has given to Israel to help defend itself against terrorist attacks from the West Bank and Gaza. [165391]
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§ Mr. Rammell
The UK supports all Israel's efforts to defend itself against terrorism which are consistent with international law.
The UK has taken action against numerous terrorist groups, including those involved in attacks in Israel. In 2001, we proscribed Palestinian Islamic Jihad and the military wing of Hamas. In September last year, the EU took action to freeze the assets of the whole of Hamas and, on 24 March this year, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced a freeze on the UK assets of five leading members of Hamas.
We have publicly condemned the terrorist atrocities committed against Israeli civilians and urged the Palestinian Authority to take immediate steps to stop violence and improve security. We are supporting the Palestinians in their efforts through provision of advice and non-lethal equipment and we have assisted the Israeli authorities' investigations into terrorist attacks against Israel by UK nationals.

§ Mr. Dismore
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on the steps Israel can legitimately take to defend herself against terrorist attacks from the West Bank and Gaza; and if he will make a statement. [165393]

§ Mr. Rammell
Israel can take all steps open to governments to defend themselves against terrorism which are consistent with their international obligations.

§ Sir John Stanley
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the basis is for his view that those sections of the Israeli security fence that have been constructed in the Occupied Territories are illegal. [165683]

§ Mr. Rammell
The construction of the barrier in the Occupied Territories is in violation of the Hague Regulation of 1907 and Article 53 of the 41 Geneva Convention, because the confiscation of Palestinian land and destruction of agriculture and buildings is not militarily necessary. The barrier could and should be built on or within the Green Line.