HC Deb 21 November 2000 vol 357 cc128-9W
Dr. Starkey

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many schools in the Occupied Territories have been(a) closed and (b) unable to operate (i) because of Israeli military order or curfew and (ii) because they are located in areas which are not safe for children or employees. [138708]

Mr. Hain

I understand that a total of 41 schools (serving over 20,000 pupils) in the Occupied Territories were closed either because of Israeli military order or curfew or by the Palestinian Authority for safety reasons.

Dr. Starkey

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many schools in the West Bank and Gaza have been hit by Israeli army(a) shelling and (b) shooting. [138710]

Mr. Hain

I understand that 16 schools in the West Bank and Gaza have been hit by Israeli Defence Force fire.

Dr. Starkey

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received about when the Israeli Government proposes to lift the curfew on the Palestinians of Hebron and Hawara. [138706]

Mr. Hain

There is still a curfew in Hebron and Hawara. The curfew is lifted occasionally (approximately every 3–4 days) for 4–5 hours, usually in the morning.

Dr. Starkey

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many schools in Hebron and Hawara have been(a) closed and (b) unable to operate because of the curfew imposed by the Israeli Government. [138707]

Mr. Hain

I understand that four schools in Hawara and 28 schools in Hebron were closed for 45 days because of the Israeli-imposed curfew. The schools opened on 12 November but were closed again when the curfew was re-imposed on 14 November.

Dr. Starkey

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many schools in Hebron have been taken over by the Israeli Defence Force for use as military bases. [138709]

Mr. Hain

I understand that the Israeli Defence Force took over four schools in Hebron for use as army posts.