§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development which DFID-funded projects in the West Bank and Gaza Strip have been damaged by Israeli retaliatory attacks; what the damage incurred was; and what was the value of the damage sustained. [40624]
§ Clare ShortThe conflict and closures have had a major impact on all development projects. The only direct damage to a DFID-funded project of which we are aware684W from Israeli military activity has been to a community centre in Rafah, part of a water and sanitation project funded through Save the Children Fund. The final cost has not yet been confirmed. 60 houses have also been damaged in Rafah, affecting 100 potential project beneficiaries.
§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what success the DFIDfunded water and sanitation projects in(a) Rafah, (b) Tabalra, (c) Dura and (d) Arabia have had in improving water supplies to the Palestinians of the Occupied Territories. [40622]
§ Clare ShortThe project in Rafah has led to improvements in both he quality and quantity of water. Sanitary standards have also increased as the majority of households are now connected to a new sewage network. But Rafah is a target for the Israeli military. This has disrupted project implementation.
The establishment of a water network and communal cisterns, and the rehabilitation of springs have increased the quality and volume of water in Dura. At least 75 per cent. of households are connected to the new sewage network. Access and mobility are easier in Dura, but the Israeli port authorities have embargoed important water meters.
Significant progress in both water and sanitation has also been made in Anabta and Jabalia, the two other towns covered by the project. We do not have any activities in Arabia or Tabalra.
§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with the EU with a view to calling for reparations from Israel for the destruction of and damage to the European-financed development projects in Gaza and the West Bank at(a) the Gaza International Airport, (b) the Office of the Palestinian Statistical System and (c) the Voice of Palestine Radio Station in Ramallah. [40625]
§ Clare ShortThe Presidency, with full UK support, has conveyed the EU's grave concern to the Israeli Government. It has been made clear that we view the damage and destruction of all EU-financed development projects in the Palestinian Territories to be out of proportion to any military, security, or political needs. Financial compensation may be sought. A provisional assessment has been made of the affected projects. It has been emphasised that this is not simply an accounting exercise to form the basis of a financial claim; such actions are counter-productive and perpetuate the cycle of violence.