Middle East (Hansard, 25 May 2004)

§ Llew Smith
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the government of Israel over the effect of Israeli military action on(a) homes, (b) water supply systems and (c) other infrastructure funded by his Department in the territories governed by the Palestinian Authority. [175141]

§ Mr. Rammell
The Government are deeply concerned at recent Israeli demolition of Palestinian homes in Rafah. We recognise Israel's need to defend itself within international law, but these actions constituted a form of collective punishment and were contrary both to international law and to Israel's commitments under the Roadmap. The UK made representations to the Israeli Embassy and Prime Minister Sharon's office in Tel Aviv.
We have made clear our concerns to the Government of Israel about damage to water sources and the destruction of Palestinian agricultural land caused by Israeli actions. In April we made representations to the Israeli authorities about the destruction of a HMG funded latrine near Hebron. We will continue to do so when such incidents occur.
1570W

§ Dr. Tonge
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with his counterpart in the US on Israeli actions in the Gaza Strip. [175040]

§ Mr. Rammell
My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary speaks to his US counterpart frequently on a wide range of issues, including the Middle East Peace Process. It is the longstanding practice of successive Governments not to make public the details of discussions with foreign Governments, under exemption 1(b) of part 2 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

§ Dr. Tonge
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Israeli Government concerning current activity in the Gaza Strip. [175042]

§ Mr. Rammell
Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials made representations to the Israeli Charge in London on 18 May and on 21 May and to the Israeli Prime Minister's Office in Tel Aviv on 18 May, about the impact of the Israel Defence Forces in operations in Rafah. In a press statement on 19 May, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary expressed his profound concern about the deaths of Palestinian civilians demonstrating against house demolitions. Israel must act within international law and refrain from using excessive force and taking actions which amount to collective punishment.