§ Mr. George OsborneTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to his answer of 10 May 2004, on targeted assassinations, question reference 169853, on what basis the Government has determined that the policy of targeted assassinations by the Government of Israel is illegal. [173000]
§ Mr. RammellWe recognise Israel's right to defend itself against terrorism but it must act in accordance with the applicable law. We do not consider that Israel's policy of targeted killings is in conformity with its obligations under the Fourth Geneva Convention and international human rights law. In particular, the policy does not appear to meet the conditions required for a killing to be justified as self-defence.