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 implications for his policies on the International Criminal Court investigation into the situation in Palestine of recent developments in Jenin and Gaza.

The UK is a strong supporter of the International Criminal Court (ICC), and we respect the independence of the Court. We do not consider that the ICC has jurisdiction in this instance as the UK does not currently recognise Palestinian statehood. The recent cycle of violence and loss of life and situation on the ground demonstrates the urgent need to make progress towards peace. The UK remains committed to the Two-State Solution as the best way to bring peace and stability to the region and importantly between Israelis and Palestinians.