Thank you for contacting me about the recent Parliamentary debate on the effects of Israeli demolitions on Palestinian Communities.
I am concerned by the continued demolition of Palestinian property by the Israeli authorities. Demolitions and evictions of Palestinians from their homes cause unnecessary suffering to ordinary Palestinians; call into question Israel's commitment to a viable two-state solution; and, in all but the most exceptional cases, are contrary to International Humanitarian Law.
I know that the Government shares our concerns on this issue. The British Embassy in Tel Aviv, along with European partners, most recently raised the UK's grave concern about demolitions with the Israeli authorities in a joint demarche on 2 November 2017. Israel can be in no doubt of our concerns about demolitions and the damage that they do for the prospects of a peaceful settlement.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
