Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they plan to take, if any, to protect any Palestinian villages within the areas designated for annexation by the government of Israel which are at risk of (1) forced removal, or (2) destruction.

We are deeply concerned by reports that the new Israeli Government coalition has reached an agreement which may pave the way for annexation of parts of the West Bank. We are urging Israel not to proceed. The Foreign Secretary reiterated this message during a call with Alternate Israeli Prime Minister Gantz on 20 May and Israeli Foreign Minister Ashkenazi on 2 June. The UK position is clear: any unilateral moves toward annexation would be damaging to renewed efforts to restart peace negotiation, and contrary to international law. Demolitions and evictions of Palestinians from their homes cause unnecessary suffering to ordinary Palestinians and, in all but the most exceptional of cases, are contrary to International Humanitarian Law.