Please be assured that the UK remains focussed on achieving a two-state solution. A long term political settlement, one that ensures a safe future for all, is the only way to resolve the conflict so that the Israeli and Palestinian people can live in peace.
The UK Government's position on Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) is clear: they are illegal under international law, an obstacle to peace and make a two-state solution, with Jerusalem as a shared capital, harder to achieve. Ministers consistently urge the Israeli authorities to cease all settlement building and to remove illegal outposts, as required under international law and in fulfilment of Israel's obligations.
The Israeli demolitions of Palestinian-owned properties in the West Bank cause unnecessary suffering to ordinary Palestinians and are, in all but the most exceptional of cases, contrary to International Humanitarian Law. The Government also raises this issue with the Israeli Government on a regular basis.
I am afraid due to other parliamentary commitments, I am unable to meet with the organisers of the lobby on this occasion.
