To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the Government of Israel about the effects on the health, education, work, and social and religious life of the Palestinian population of the present position of the West Bank barrier and those caused by 578 closure obstacles (as reported by the United Nations Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs); and what responses they have received. [HL2644]

There has been some progress on Palestinian social and economic development in the West Bank as a result of the Palestinian Authority's efforts to reform its institutions and build a stable economy. And we welcome moves by the Israeli Government to reduce the number of roadblocks and checkpoints, which has also been a contributing factor.

However, we still remain concerned that the number of obstacles and the route of the Israeli security barrier continues to have a detrimental impact on socio-economic conditions and brings unnecessary suffering to ordinary Palestinians. It also undermines the territorial contiguity of the West Bank, reducing the viability of a future Palestinian state.

We continue to press the Israeli Government to reduce the number of checkpoints and ensure the barrier does not stand on occupied land.