Israel and Palestine: Gaza

House of Lords written question – answered at on 8 January 2007.

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Photo of Lord Hylton Lord Hylton Crossbench

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether Israel's practice in closing the entry and exit points to Gaza constitutes a collective punishment in international law; and what steps they are taking to improve the situation.

Photo of Lord Triesman Lord Triesman Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign and Commonwealth Office)

Israel has a duty to protect its citizens from terrorist attack but should also ensure that the effects of its security measures on the Palestinian population are minimised.

We have consistently raised our concerns about the closure of the Israel/Gaza crossing points with the Israeli Government. The Israeli Government have informed us that the closures reflect specific security concerns. They have assured us that they will continue to support the transfer of humanitarian assistance to avert a potential crisis due to lack of food and money there.

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