Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 4 June (HL421), what representations they will make to the government of Israel to deter the expulsion of Palestinians from the Masafer Yatta area of the West Bank.

We are monitoring developments at Masafer Yatta closely given the increased risk of the forced transfer of over 1000 Palestinians, and the demolition of their homes. The UK is clear that in all but the most exceptional of circumstances, demolitions and evictions are contrary to International Humanitarian Law. Our opposition to the demolition of Palestinian property and the evictions of Palestinians from their homes is long-standing. The practice causes unnecessary suffering to Palestinians and is harmful to efforts to promote peace. Minister Milling met with Palestinian families affected by the ongoing demolition and eviction orders at Masafer Yatta during her visit to the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and raised our concerns on the impact with Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Roll on 22 June.