§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to his answer of 16 October 2003,Official Report, columns 336-37W, when he last had discussions with representatives of the Government of Israel concerning demolitions and destruction of infrastructure in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip; what (a) explanations and (b) assurances were offered by Israel; and if he will make a statement. [134430]
§ Mr. RammellMy right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has urged Israel to improve the humanitarian situation throughout the Occupied Territories in his contacts with Israel's Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom. My Noble Friend the Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean expressed the Government's serious concerns about the demolition of Palestinian property in a meeting with Israel's ambassador, Zvi Shtauber, on 22 October. In previous discussions with representatives of the Government of Israel on this issue, security concerns have been cited for military operations conducted in the Occupied Territories which have resulted in the destruction of Palestinian infrastructure. Israel has in the past undertaken to ensure such operations have a minimal impact on the Palestinian population. We recognise the Israeli authorities have a legitimate right of self defence against terrorist attacks, but we continue to urge them to ensure their response to the threat is proportionate.