Please be assured that I take these issues very seriously, and I am extremely concerned about the plight of the Palestinians. I am a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Palestine and regularly attend briefings, so I know what is happening in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs). I urgently want a solution and a just peace for all.
The UK's position, which I support, is clear and long-standing. There should be a negotiated settlement leading to a safe and secure Israel living alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.
To this end, I know that the UK repeatedly calls on Israel – both bilaterally and via the UN – to abide by its obligations under international law and is in close dialogue with Israel regarding various issues relating to the occupation. The UK continues to urge all parties to de-escalate.
Indeed, Israel and the OPTs remain a human rights priority for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Befitting this, Ministers in London and officials in Tel Aviv continue to monitor all issues relating to the occupation and raise concerns with the relevant authorities, and via the appropriate multilateral fora, accordingly.
Regarding arms, HM Government takes its export control responsibilities extremely seriously and operates one of the most robust export control regimes in the world. All export licence applications are rigorously assessed on a case-by-case basis against the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria, based on the most up-to-date information and analysis available.
Licence decisions take account of prevailing circumstances at the time of application and include human rights and international humanitarian law considerations. Export licenses are not issued where to do so would be inconsistent with the consolidated criteria, including where there is a clear risk that the items might be used for a serious violation of international humanitarian law.
On the issue of bilateral trade, the UK does not recognise the OPTs and settlements there as part of Israel. Goods from settlements are not covered by the UK-Israel Trade and Partnership Agreement and do not receive preferential tariff treatment. While it is ultimately a decision for an individual or company as to whether to operate in the settlements in the OPTs, the UK Government neither encourages nor offers support to individuals or companies who operate in settlements in the OPTs.
I note the suggestion about the imposition of targeted sanctions. I do not, however, speculate on potential future designations as to do so could undermine their impact. I know that the FCDO keeps all relevant evidence under constant review.
On the International Criminal Court, ultimately, it is right that HM Government (HMG) respects the independence of the Court and the right of its officials to carry out their work without interference.
I extend my sympathies to those who have lost loved ones amidst the violence in Jenin. HMG continues to stress the importance of the Israeli security forces providing appropriate protection to the Palestinian civilian population, particularly the need to protect children. HMG also regularly raises the importance of the Israeli security force's adherence to the principles of necessity and proportionality when defending its legitimate security interest.
In instances where there have been accusations of excessive use of force, HMG advocates for swift, transparent investigations.
This includes the demolition of Palestinian homes and Israeli settlements in the OPTs. Indeed, the UK is clear that these actions cause unnecessary suffering to ordinary Palestinians, call into question Israel's commitment to a viable two-state solution, and, in all but the most exceptional of cases, are contrary to International Law. They are also counterproductive in light of the normalisation agreements reached between Israel, UAE, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco.
The concern for human rights in this region is one that Ministers and I share. Indeed, Israel and the OPTs are a human rights priority for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Finally, I understand that Israel’s military legal body has decided not to criminally prosecute the soldiers involved in Mr Asad’s death. HM Government respects the independence of this judicial process. I am also aware that the US Government has requested more information on the matter, and I welcome the increased transparency that this will provide.