<p>Israel must abide by its obligations under international humanitarian law. We continue to call upon the Government of Israel to fully respect the fundamental rights and freedoms of human rights defenders and organisations, and to allow them to freely operate in Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territories. The Minister for the Middle East, Lord Ahmad, made clear the UK's support for a two-state solution, the urgent need to reduce tensions and to avoid any unilateral actions that make peace more difficult during his visit to Israel and the OPTs on 10-13 January.</p>