HL Deb 10 July 2003 vol 651 cc51-2WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What they consider to be the status in international law of the security wall and fence now being built by the Government of Israel in the occupied West Bank; and whether there are procedures under international law whereby Israelis and Palestinians thus adversely affected may claim compensation. [HL3585]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

While the building of a separation wall for security reasons does not necessarily contravene international law, we do consider some aspects related to the construction of the "security fence" in the West Bank to be illegal. We do not believe that the route of the fence is determined by security requirements. We therefore conclude that much of the demolition and confiscation of Palestinian property associated with its construction violates the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits such measures unless absolutely necessary. We are concerned that the lack of access for Palestinian owners to land on the west of the security fence results in thede facto appropriation of this territory by Israel.

The military orders, which requisition land for the fence, allow the owners of the property to request rental fees or compensation.

Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will propose to the Quartet that Israel's security fence be moved back to the Green Line and that full access be restored to all towns and villages. [HL3586]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

Our embassy in Tel Aviv has raised with the Government of Israel our concerns about the location and impact of the "security fence". We deplore the seizure of Palestinian land, the isolation of Palestinian villages, and the creation of a further physical obstacle to the two-state solution. My right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary conveyed the UK's concerns to the Israeli Foreign Minister on his visit of 15 May. Quartet members share our views. The Quartet road map calls on the Government of Israel to take no actions undermining trust, including the confiscation and/or demolition of Palestinian property. Lasting peace can only be achieved through a negotiated settlement and not unilateral actions.