Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whether the Government has taken steps to condemn settler violence and forced displacements since the start of the war in Israel and Gaza.

Reports of Palestinian civilians being murdered by settlers in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are appalling. The rapidly deteriorating human rights situation, increasing settler violence, high casualties, and mass arrests, is creating an environment conducive to increased risks of atrocities and intercommunal violence. As the Foreign Secretary said on 24 November, violence by settlers in Occupied Palestinian Territories is completely unacceptable. In addition, the joint G7 Foreign Ministers statement of 8 November, includes a point from the UK making clear that settler violence undermines security in the West Bank and threatens prospects for a lasting peace. Israel must prevent these acts of violence and hold those responsible to account. We are also clear that, in pursuing its legitimate right to self-defence against Hamas, Israel's military actions in Gaza must be carried out in accordance with International Humanitarian Law and Israel must take all possible measures to protect civilians. The Foreign Secretary highlighted the gravity of the crisis in his recent meetings with Prime Minister Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Cohen during his visit to Israel on 23 November. The Foreign Secretary has also stressed the importance of the Israeli security forces providing appropriate protection to the Palestinian civilian population.