Middle East (Hansard, 22 July 2004)

§ Mr. Jim Cunningham
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions his Department has had with other Middle East partners and states concerning stability in the region. [185278]

§ Mr. Rammell
[holding answer of 21 July 2004]My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has in the last three months spoken to the Foreign Ministers of Egypt, the Palestinian Authority and Israel, as well as EU counterparts and the US Secretary of State.
My noble Friend the Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean has recently visited Syria (8–9 June) and Israel (28–30 June). Regional issues were discussed during both of these visits.

§ Dr. Tonge
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Israeli Government concerning the crushing to death of Ibrahim Mahmoud Khalafallah during the demolition of homes in Gaza. [185443]

§ Mr. Rammell
The demolition of homes is a form of collective punishment and harms innocent civilians. It fuels anger among Palestinians and makes a peaceful settlement more difficult to achieve. We continue to raise our concerns with the Government of Israel about such actions. We recognise Israel's right to defend itself against terrorism, but it must act within the parameters of international law.
We have not made specific representations to the Government of Israel concerning the death of Ibrahim Mahmoud Khalafallah.

§ Dr. Tonge
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Israeli Government concerning the targeting of British hon. Members and Peers by soldiers of the Israeli Defence Force in June; and if he will make a statement. [185446]

§ Mr. Rammell
We have raised our concerns with the Israeli Government and the Israeli ambassador about the shots that were reportedly fired at a group of British Parliamentarians during their visit to Rafah on 18 June. We have asked the Israelis for an explanation.

§ Dr. Tonge
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to his colleagues in the Quartet concerning Israel's retention of settlements in the West Bank following the withdrawal from Gaza. [185447]

§ Mr. Rammell
The UK is represented in the Quartet (UN, US. EU, Russia) through the EU. We, EU partners and other Quartet members have made clear that Prime Minister Sharon's plan to withdraw from Gaza and part of the West Bank would provide a rare moment of opportunity in the search for peace in the Middle East. At the same time they have said that all final settlement issues, including borders, are to be decided through negotiations between the parties. The UK fully supports this position.
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§ Dr. Tonge
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Israeli Government concerning freedom of movement of Palestinians in and out of the Gaza Strip after the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. [185448]

§ Mr. Rammell
As the Quartet (UN, US, Russia, EU) set out on 4 May, securing freedom of movement for the Palestinian population will be an important element in ensuring that withdrawals bring about an improved quality of life for the Palestinian people. The World Bank report of 24 June also cited improved freedom of movement as essential to development of the Palestinian economy.
We have discussed withdrawal and its implications with the parties and will continue to do so. My noble Friend the Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean discussed withdrawal with several Israeli Ministers during her visit to the region on 28 to 30 June, and made clear the importance of maximum freedom of movement for Palestinians following Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

§ Dr. Tonge
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Israeli Government concerning the route of the security barrier. [185492]

§ Mr. Rammell
As my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary said in the House on 13 July 2004,Official Report, columns 1240–41, he and my noble Friend the Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean have discussed the issue of the barrier with Israeli Ministers on many occasions. We have consistently made it clear to the Israeli Government that the barrier built on occupied territory is illegal. Most recently the Foreign Secretary discussed the issue of the barrier and the ICJ ruling with Israeli Foreign Minister Shalom on 15 July.