Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Alan Duncan and David Ward(10 years, 11 months ago)
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Mr David Ward (Bradford East) (LD)
T6. On Monday, many of us will attend Holocaust memorial day events. The theme is journeys, including journeys of return. Does the Secretary of State agree with me that our thoughts should include, among many others, the millions of displaced Palestinians still denied their right to return to their homes?
The Minister of State, Department for International Development (Mr Alan Duncan)
The right of return is of course part of the negotiations that continue as part of the middle east peace process. We fully support the efforts of Secretary Kerry and of my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary in everything that they are doing, and we want to do all we can to underpin the best prospects for a successful conclusion, which are predicted to occur by the end of April.
Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Alan Duncan and David Ward(11 years, 6 months ago)
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Mr David Ward (Bradford East) (LD)
8. What research her Department has undertaken into the humanitarian effects of the occupation of the west bank.
The Minister of State, Department for International Development (Mr Alan Duncan)
We are deeply concerned by the impact of the occupation on the lives of Palestinians in the west bank. DFID assesses this constantly. Reports from the UN and others clearly document poverty, displacement, constrained growth and the demolition this year alone of 247 Palestinian structures.
Mr Ward
Those who have been to the west bank and to Gaza will be frustrated constantly to see international aid used to pay for buildings which are promptly knocked down by the Israeli regime. Is the Minister aware that according to figures in the United Nations “Humanitarian Monitor” monthly report for April, there was a 30% rise in the number of Palestinians displaced by house demolitions, with a total of 46 structures demolished by the Israeli army, which included five paid for by international donors?
Mr Speaker
We are grateful to the hon. Member, but we need to have time for the answer.