The UK's position, on the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs), is clear and longstanding. There should be a negotiated settlement leading to a safe and secure Israel living alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state, based on 1967 borders with agreed land swaps, with Jerusalem as the shared capital of both states, and a fair and realistic settlement for refugees. Israelis and Palestinians both deserve to live in peace, with equal measures of freedom, security, and prosperity and, therefore, the UK Government consistently calls – both bilaterally and via the UN – for an immediate end to all actions that undermine these values and the viability of the two-state solution.
This includes the eviction of Palestinians from their homes, the demolition of Palestinian property – homes, schools and so forth – and Israeli settlements in the OPTs. Indeed, the UK is clear that these actions cause unnecessary suffering to ordinary Palestinians, call into question Israel's commitment to a viable two-state solution, and, in all but the most exceptional of cases, are contrary to international humanitarian law. The Fourth Geneva Convention, which applies to all occupied territories, including East Jerusalem, prohibits demolitions or forced evictions absent military necessity.
Settlement expansion is also particularly counterproductive in light of the normalisation agreements reached between Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco in the last few years.
The UK repeatedly raises our opposition to these actions with the Israeli authorities, both bilaterally and in cooperation with like-minded diplomatic partners, including at a ministerial level. The UK also regularly makes our position clear on the world stage, including via the main organs of UN such as the Security Council, Human Rights Council and General Assembly.
The FCDO is aware of the decision by the Israeli Supreme Court on the Masafer Yatta eviction case and is monitoring the situation closely. When the Minister for the Middle East visited the OPTs in January, he reinforced HMG's calls on Israel to abide by its obligations under international law and have regular dialogue with Israel on issues relating to the occupation.
