§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government: Whether they consider the demolition of flats adjacent to one occupied by a person suspected or accused of terrorism, or other collective punishments, constitute crimes under international humanitarian law; and, if so, what action they are able to take in respect of recent events in the occupied West Bank. [HL210]
§ The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean)The destruction of Palestinian infrastructure for the purpose of collective punishment is contrary to international humanitarian law. Furthermore, we believe such actions are provocative, and serve only to exacerbate tension and undermine efforts to bring about an end to violence and a return to negotiations. We have called on the Government of Israel to stop these demolitions and to ensure their actions in the Occupied Territories fall within international law. I last raised my concerns about the demolition of Palestinian homes with Israel's Ambassador, Mr Zvi Shtauber, on 22 October.