§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations have 727W been made to the Israeli Government to allow entry of relief consignments and facilitate their transport into the Occupied Territories. [48793]
§ Clare ShortThe Government has called for an immediate and full Israeli withdrawal from Palestinian towns, which would facilitate human relief access, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1402.
§ Mrs. SpelmanTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) how much UK aid to Israel and the Palestinian territories has been obstructed by(a) Israel and (b) Palestinians during the recent violence in the Middle East; [48967]
(2) what guidance she issues to UK air workers in Israel and the occupied territories; [48971]
(3) what representations she has made to the Government of Israel regarding the obstruction of humanitarian aid to Palestinians; [48969]
(4) to what extent the humanitarian needs of the Palestinians have increased during the recent violence between Israel and the Palestinians; and if she intends to change her aid policy to Palestinian territories; [48965]
(5) if she will make a statement on her assessment of the security of UK aid workers in each country in the Middle East; [48973]
(6) when she last had discussions with the Palestinian Authority regarding the humanitarian consequences of terrorist attacks on Israel; and when she next intends to do so; [48968]
(7) what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of UK aid to the occupied territories; and how she intends to increase the effectiveness of her Department's spending in the occupied territories; [48972]
(8) what assurances she has received from the Government of Israel regarding the safety of UK aid workers in the occupied territories; [48970]
(9) if she will make a statement on the humanitarian situation within Palestinian refugee camps; what assistance her Department provides to the refugee camps; and if she intends to increase aid to the refugee camps; [48966]
(10) if she has made an assessment of the water shortage problems in the Palestinian refugee camps. [48974]
§ Clare ShortThere are approximately three million Palestinians living in the West Bank Gaza Strip, nearly half of whom are registered refugees. Following three consecutive years of rising real per capita income from 1997 to 2000, the Palestinian economy has been hit hard by the conflict. Surveys have barely been able to keep up with the level of damage inflicted on the Palestinian economy since the start of the Intifada in 2000. Damage to infrastructure, loss of life and strict closure activities has led to a dramatic decline in economic activity, particularly as Palestinians have been denied access to their jobs over the Israeli border. During 2001, it is estimated that GNI had declined by 12–15 per cent., unemployment risen by up to 50 per cent., and the numbers of people living below of the poverty (US$2 a day) increased to 50 per cent..
The damage inflicted during the recent escalation of violence, in terms of destruction of infrastructure (including basic services), damage to private property and 728W government buildings will take some time to quantify. But it has further desecrated livelihoods, disrupted the delivery of water and sanitation, health and education services, and undermined the institutions of government.
We are working with others to try to determine the full extent of the damage and the humanitarian consequences. But international efforts remain hampered by restricted access. It is clear that there will be no improvements in the situation without an end to violence and a return to negotiations.
I have kept our programme of development assistance under close review. The long-term goal remains unchanged——the establishment of a viable Palestinian State, which can co-exist peacefully with Israel. The strategy also remains valid: to provide help for immediate and emergency needs while at the same time working for longer-term sustainable and institutional development.
The economic and social decline over the past 18 months has required a review of the balance between longer-term goals and urgent needs. We have sought to provide emergency assistance in ways that can contribute to sustainable development. As soon as possible we will work for a rapid assessment of the current situation and set priorities for action so that all agencies can respond in a co-ordinated and effective manner.
DFID is committed to support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNWRA) in meeting the needs of Palestinian refugees. We have steadily increased our financial and technical support to UNRWA, from £6 million in 1997 to £35 million in 2001, in response to the rising needs. I am in contact with Commissioner General Peter Hansen about the impact of the Israeli Defence Force incursions to many UNRWA camps, and what additional support is required for urgent actions. We have provided £5 million for the 2002 Emergency Appeal and will consider urgently what further support we can give, on top of our planned contribution for this year to UNRWA's core activities.
It is hard to quantify the impact of violence on UK development assistance. Closures and violence have adversely affected all programmes. It has proved difficult for international staff to travel to the region. In addition, closures and violence have hindered the movement of project staff. Prior to the recent incursions, we were confident that projects would meet their goals, albeit in a longer time period. We will need to look afresh at the impact on our programmes of recent intense incursions.
The UK does not provide any development assistance to Israel.
The Government has serious concerns for the safety of civilians and the access of medical, humanitarian and consular aid. We have made clear to Israel at the highest level that we expect them to ensure that medical and humanitarian organisations and Consular staff have uninterrupted access to those in need. The Foreign Secretary stressed these concerns to Israeli Foreign Minister Peres in a telephone call on 10 April.
The Government has repeatedly called on the Palestinian authority to take determined action to prevent terrorist attacks against Israeli citizens.
729WWe have called on both Israel and the Palestinian Authority to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1402, including the establishment of a meaningful ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from palestinian towns and the implementation of the Tenet plan and Mitchell recommendations, with the aim of resuming negotiations on a political settlement.
We have tried and trusted mechanisms in place to provide security requirements for UK aid workers. DFID currently employs three people in the Consulate General in Jerusalem, and one secondee to the local EC office. UK and other nationals are also contracted under DFIDfunded projects.
Those who work in the West Bank and Gaza Strip are aware they are operating in an unstable environment. All who travel to the area are fully briefed on the security situation and travel restrictions. UK nationals based permanently in the WBGS appear on the Consulate General Register, and the Consulate General is in regular contact, especially in times of crisis.
There are no aid-funded workers in Israel.
We judge that the risks posed to aid personnel in other Middle Eastern countries——Jordan, Egypt, Yemen and Iraq in DFID's context——are less acute. However, we, and the Foreign Office, continue to monitor the safety of people in the region closely.