§ The Earl of Sandwichasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will make representations to the Government of Israel concerning the plan to withdraw settlements from Gaza and the risk that this will increase settlements in the West Bank contrary to the road map as currently proposed. [HL4593]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThe UK sees Israel's plan to withdraw all settlements from Gaza and some from the West Bank as a positive step. We also believe both Israel and the Palestinian Authority should implement their obligations under the road map. The road map requires that Israel freeze all settlement activity including the naural growth of existing settlements, and dismantle all outposts built since 2001. At their 11 October meeting, EU Foreign Ministers reiterated their view that Israeli withdrawal must be implemented in accordance with the five elements laid down by the European Council in March 2004. One of these elements is that any withdrawal should not involve a transfer of settlement activity to the West Bank. The UK has repeatedly pressed its concerns about continued settlement construction with the Israeli Government, and will continue to do so.