Occupied Territories: International Law

(asked on 12th June 2025) - View Source

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent steps she has taken to support accountability for breaches of international law in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.


Answered by
Hamish Falconer Portrait
Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
This question was answered on 9th July 2025

We have consistently called on all parties to comply with international law in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs). We have been clear that we respect the independence of the international courts who are currently considering cases concerning international law in the OPTs. The UK participated in the International Court of Justice's Advisory Opinion on Israel's obligations as an Occupying Power and as a member of the United Nations, putting forward strong support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East and the International Committee of the Red Cross. In relation to the conflict in Gaza, we have called for independent investigations into incidents where there are reports of breaches of international humanitarian law and accountability for those found responsible, including at the UN Security Council. In relation to the West Bank, we have a clear position that Israeli settlements in the OPTs are illegal under international law and have taken action to sanction violent settlers and individuals who incite violence against Palestinians.

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