asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are making representations to the Government of Israel concerning (a) the construction of illegal settlement houses in Revava, Yaqir, Qarney Shomron and Alin, in the West Bank; (b) the detention of 4,543 Palestinians in jail pending trial; and (c) the repeated closing of the fruit and vegetable market at Beita, West Bank. [HL4362]

We have not raised these specific cases but are concerned by all on-going settlement activity in the West Bank. Settlements are illegal under international law and settlement construction is an obstacle to peace. The road map is clear that Israel should freeze all settlement construction including the “natural growth” of existing settlements, and dismantle all outposts built since 2001. The EU will not recognise any changes to the pre-1967 borders other than those agreed by both parties. We support this. Our ambassador in Tel Aviv raised our concerns about settlement activity with Israeli Foreign Minister Livni on 28 May.

According to the Israeli human rights non-governmental organisation BTselem, there are currently 9,280 Palestinians in Israeli custody, 5,910 of whom are serving sentences. For those not serving sentences, we call on Israel to charge or release those it holds in custody. My honourable friend the Minister for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education, Bill Rammell, raised this issue with Israeli Foreign Minister Livni and Israeli Education Minister Tamir on 10 June.

We have not received any reports on the closing of the fruit and vegetable market at Beita.