To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that Israeli authorities demolished a Palestinian kindergarten in Beit Safafa on 17 August under pretext of illegal building; and what steps they plan to take, if any, to prevent the future demolition of Palestinian homes and other buildings in Jerusalem.
Answered on
27 September 2021
The UK's opposition to demolition of Palestinian property, including schools, is long-standing and well known. The British Embassy regularly raises the issue of demolitions with the Government of Israel, most recently on 10 August. The former Foreign Secretary raised ongoing evictions, demolitions and settlement activity, including in East Jerusalem, with the Israeli Authorities during his visit to the region on 26 May.
We repeatedly call on Israel to abide by its obligations under international law and are clear that in all but the most exceptional of circumstances, demolitions are contrary to International Humanitarian Law.