Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the Palestinian Authority’s ability to deliver public services within the Palestinian Territories.
Under International Humanitarian Law, Israel, as the Occupying Power, has the duty of ensuring and maintaining public health and hygiene in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) to the fullest extent of the means available and with the cooperation of the local authorities. The UK's long standing position is that we support the Oslo Accords that set out a process for the gradual and incremental transfer of a range of responsibilities to the Palestinian Authority. We therefore welcome the restoration of cooperation between the Government of Israel and Palestinian Authority, which shows both sides are willing to put the needs and security of Israelis and Palestinians first. UK support in the OPTs also helps to build Palestinian institutions, deliver essential services and support economic development. Our financial assistance supports a stable Palestinian Authority which can act as an effective partner for peace with Israel and can deliver essential services to Palestinians.