Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports alleging sexual violence and other forms of abuse against male and female detainees in Israeli prisons; and what discussions they have had with the government of Israel regarding mechanisms to ensure accountability for such acts.

We are deeply concerned by reports of the mistreatment and sexual violence against detainees. We unequivocally condemn sexual violence in Palestine, in Israel, and wherever it occurs in the world. The UK has consistently called for all reports to be fully investigated to ensure justice for victims and survivors. We have repeatedly made private and public representations on the treatment of detainees with our Israeli counterparts. The UK continues to reiterate calls for Israel to allow the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) unfettered and immediate access to detention facilities. We believe it is critical that the ICRC is given regular access to detainees to deliver on their independent visiting role, as enshrined within the 1949 Geneva Conventions.