Security doesn't justify scale of Palestine restrictions
6 August 2014
Security doesn't justify scale of Palestine restrictions, warn MPs calling for more development in occupied territories
- Report: The UK's Development Work in the Occupied Palestinian Territories
- Report: The UK's Development Work in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (PDF 1.28MB)
- Inquiry: The UK's Development Work in the Occupied Palestinian Territories
- International Development Committee
In the absence of a full and final peace settlement for a two-state solution, significant effort can and should be made to secure greater Palestinian economic activity within the Occupied Territories (OPTs) without compromising Israel’s security, say MPs on cross party International Development Committee in the UK Parliament.
Launching a report examining the UK Government’s long-standing bilateral programme in the OPTs, Sir Malcolm Bruce, Chair of the International Development Committee said,
“The ongoing violence by Palestinian and Israeli extremists does not bode well for peace negotiations for a two -state solution, but as much of the coverage surrounding recent violence has highlighted, restrictions which restrain economic development within the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) remain a key issue for the Palestinians.
“We believe that significant effort to improve conditions and the economy within the OPTs is in everyone’s interests. In particular, as the World Bank made plain in a report last year, there would be scope to raise Palestinian GDP by over 20% if Palestinian businesses were allowed to invest in Area C*, that part of the West Bank controlled exclusively by the Israelis.
“We argue therefore that the conflict between Hamas and Israel and the stalling of the peace talks should not prevent the UK and other European countries from pressing Israel to end unnecessary restrictions, especially in the West Bank.
“In particular, we challenge the assertion that restrictions which curtail economic development in the OPTs are based on Israel s security needs and can be justified on security grounds. We argue that the UK in concert with other European countries should put pressure on the Government of Israel to lift some of the restrictions in the OPTs as a matter of urgency.
“For instance, we were shocked by what we saw during our visit to Hebron. While we fully appreciate Israel’s security concerns, these in no way justify the present restrictions on Palestinians in Hebron, which affect their livelihoods, economic development and security.
“In particular, the UK should encourage both sides to negotiate to address the disputed issues, including Palestinian access to 3G and 4G services in the West Bank, and greater access to the West Bank aquifer, construction permits, demolitions and master plans.
“We are extremely concerned about the potential for further settlement expansion, especially around Jerusalem. We suggest the UK should in concert with other European countries stress to the Israeli authorities the unacceptability of the present situation. DFID should also support the World Bank programme for helping the Palestinian Authority with land registration.”
While the Committee welcomes the UK’s decision to introduce labelling guidelines for products made in Israeli settlements, they call for a review to examine whether the guidelines have been implemented by major UK retailers and to what effect on UK shoppers.
MPs also strongly support the Palestinian Market Development Programme recently launched by DFID but call for more effort in this area through the provision of a Sector Grant Facility and Development Impact Bonds in the OPTs.