§ Dr. StarkeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many permits were issued by the Israeli Government to Palestinians for travel from Gaza to(a) Israel and (b) the West Bank (i) for each of the six months preceding the opening of the Southern Safe Passage and (ii) since the opening of the Southern Safe Passage. [97978]
§ Mr. HainMy right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary welcomed the opening of the southern safe passage on 25 October and had the opportunity to travel on the route on 26 October. The safe passage will enable thousands of Gazans to travel to the West Bank.
On the first day of operation of the safe passage, 800 people travelled from Gaza to the West Bank and 80 from West Bank to Gaza. A number of Gazans were able to leave the Gaza Strip for the first time in their lives. We do not hold the other details requested.
§ Dr. StarkeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many housing units in Jewish settlements on the West Bank have been demolished; and how many new housing units in Jewish settlements on the West Bank have been started since 14 October. [97976]
§ Mr. HainOn 14 October, the Israeli government and Yesha Council agreed that 12 settlement outposts should be dismantled. This agreement is now being implemented. These settlement outputs are believed not to include any housing units. The Israeli government recently acknowledged that they have issued the tenders for the construction of 1,798 housing units.
§ Dr. StarkeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the agreement made on 14 October between the Israeli Government and the Yesha Council. [97975]
§ Mr. HainWe welcome agreement by the Israeli Government and Yesha Council to dismantle some settlements outposts. The British Government's view remains that settlement activity is illegal under international law and unhelpful in curbing settlements.
§ Dr. StarkeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on continued house demolitions by the Israeli authorities in East Jerusalem. [97977]
§ Mr. HainWe are opposed to all attempts to alter the demographics of East Jerusalem, contrary to the Fourth Geneva Convention. We therefore strongly regret the continuation of house demolitions, even though their frequency has declined in recent months. A full stop to this policy would contribute to the confidence between the parties which will be essential at this critical stage in the peace process.