§ 22. Claire WardTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Israeli Government regarding continued incursions onto Palestinian land. [164143]
§ Mr. RammellPhase One of the roadmap provides for a progressive withdrawal of the Israeli security forces from areas occupied since 28 September 2000. We have urged the Israeli Government on many occasions to meet their obligations under the roadmap without delay. Israel is entitled to take steps to ensure its security, and safeguard itself against terrorism, but only within international law.
We regard the construction of the Israeli barrier on Palestinian land as unlawful and have made this clear both to the Israeli Government and at the UN. Most recently, following the assassination of Sheikh Yassin on 22 March, my noble Friend, the Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean made it clear to the Israeli Ambassador, Zvi Shtauber, that the excessive use of force in the Occupied Territories does nothing to improve prospects for peace.