Israel and Palestine
House of Lords

Baroness Tonge (Liberal Democrat)

To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the Government of Israel on enforcing the law against Israeli civilians who commit crimes against Palestinians; and in particular regarding the investigation into the death of Yousef Ikhlayl, who was shot while working on his farmland on 28 January 2011.

Lord Howell of Guildford (Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office; Conservative)

Our officials in Israel regularly raise concerns with the Israeli authorities that Israeli citizens (including settlers) and Palestinians are treated differently by the Israeli judicial system. We call on all authorities and other groups in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories to do all they can to prevent loss of innocent life, to bring the perpetrators of crimes to justice and to reduce current tensions.

We are aware of the tragic and unnecessary death of Mr Yousef Ikhlayl, a young man aged 17, on 28 January 2011, which is a clear demonstration of the terrible impact of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

As the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my honourable friend Mr Burt said in his statement of 17 December 2011 on settler violence: "The package of measures announced by Prime Minister Netanyahu in response to settler violence is a welcome step forward. We look forward to seeing the results of these measures, and to seeing those behind the violence punished under law".