Dear Constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about the demolitions at Khan al-Ahmar.

The Government has raised strong concerns with the Israeli authorities over the demolitions at Khan al-Ahmar and repeatedly called on the Israeli Government to halt these demolitions. I understand that a British official from the UK Consulate General in Jerusalem has visited Khan al-Ahmar to show British support for the community there.

Demolitions and evictions of Palestinians from their homes cause unnecessary suffering. They call into question Israel’s commitment to a viable two-state solution and, in all but exceptional cases, are contrary to international humanitarian law.

As someone who has visited Palestine and witnessed the everyday difficulties which Palestinian people have to put up with I firmly believe that the international community must redouble its efforts to support a comprehensive peace agreement that delivers an independent Palestine alongside a safe and secure Israel. I know that the Foreign Secretary shares my view that a two-state solution is the most effective way for Palestinian aspirations of statehood to be met.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.

EDWARD LEIGH MP