To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations his Department has made to the Israeli Government on the West Bank security barrier. (285072)

We continue to make clear to Israel that, while we recognise fully Israel’s right to self-defence and agree that if it decides to build a barrier, it should be able to do that, the barrier must be built either on or behind the green line.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the UK has made to the Government of Israel on the boarding of and removal of persons from a Free Gaza boat in international waters by Israeli forces; and if he will make a statement. (285104)

I can confirm the Israeli navy boarded the vessel “Spirit of Humanity” on 30 June 2009. The Israeli navy took control of the vessel and diverted it to Ashdod port in Israel, where all those on board, including six British nationals, were handed over to Israeli immigration officials. All six were deported and arrived in the UK on 6 July 2009.

When my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary spoke to his Israeli counterpart, Avigdor Lieberman, on 1 July 2009, he raised the issue with him and asked for clarification of whether the “Spirit of Humanity” had been intercepted in international waters.