Israel/Palestine

Richard Burden
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of the likelihood of extended Israeli military action in the West Bank following the military incursions into Gaza which commenced on 27 June 2006; and what representations she is making on the issue.

Dr. Howells
We are not aware of any plans for extended military action in the West Bank by Israel. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary spoke to Israeli Foreign Minister Livni on 6 July and made clear her concern that military action was not extended into the West Bank. Our embassy in Tel Aviv and officials in London continue to engage with Israel on the issue.

We continue to urge both parties to act with restraint and end the current violence, which only makes the prospect of a negotiated, peaceful resolution more distant.

We call for the immediate and unconditional release of Corporal Shalit, and for the Palestinian Authority to prevent all acts of terrorism against Israel. We urge the Israeli military to do everything in its power to avoid civilian casualties, and abide by international law. All military action should abide by the principle of proportionality.

Richard Burden
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information she has received regarding the possible use by Israel of military aircraft containing head-up display units made in the UK during airstrikes into Gaza since the start of May.

Dr. Howells
We have no reports that UK supplied equipment has been deployed during the recent air strikes in Gaza. We continue to monitor developments in the region closely.

Richard Burden
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 5 July 2006, Official Report, columns 1158-9W, on Israel, whether any information has come to light that military equipment or components supplied by the UK have been used in a manner inconsistent with the consolidated criteria during the military incursions by Israel into Gaza; what methods are used for such monitoring; what proactive steps the British Embassy in Tel Aviv has taken in relation to monitoring since 27 June; and if she will make a statement.

Dr. Howells
We have no reports that UK supplied equipment is being deployed by Israel in Gaza in a manner which is inconsistent with the consolidated criteria.

Relevant information from the media, civil society, our diplomatic missions and other relevant sources all form part of our monitoring of the situation in the region. Any information that UK-supplied military equipment may have been used in a manner inconsistent with our consolidated criteria is always taken fully into account when assessing any future export licence applications.