Dr Mozammel Haque
Stephen Kinnock the Labour Member for the Aberavon moved the House to consider and debate on this crucially important topic on the settlement and annexation of the Occupied Palestinian territories.
While moving this sensitive but incredibly important issue on Monday, 24 September 2020, the Labour Member for Aberavon, Stephen Kinnock mentioned this debate on settlement and annexation of the occupied Palestinian territories is about striving for peace, justice and security for all. He also said we condemn violence in all its forms and we believe passionately in the Rule of Law. But he pointed out that Israel’s consistent flouting of UN resolutions and the fourth Geneva Conventions, and Israeli illegal settlements undermine all three of the principles.
In this connection, Stephen Kinnock, MP, also mentioned about the so-called Abraham Accords and President Donald Trump’s Deal of the Century. While referring to the Deal of the Century, he said, it is not a deal; it is not a plan; it is a proposal that is fundamentally flawed. Israeli’s huge settlement plan of 7,000 units is a threat to the feasibility of a Two-state solution, he said and added, Abraham Accords is in Reality the creeping annexation of Palestinians lands increasing and accelerating.
The UK government takes immediate steps with urgency, The Member for Aberavon said and mentioned, government (i) Immediately recognise the State of Palestine, (ii) government must ban all products originated from Israeli settlements, (iii) End the involvement of UK-based companies within the illegal settlements, (iv) Easy to forget the human cost of the Conflict. Act Now, emphasized Stephen Kinnock, MP.
In reply to the debate, The Minister for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), James Cleverly said, the Middle East Peace process is a complex and sensitive issue but he welcome the announcement of normalisation of relations between Israel, UAE and Bahrain. He also expressed his desire to have a stable, secure and peaceful Two-state solution. As regards annexation, the Minister James Cleverly MP mentioned UK’s position on annexation. The Minister said we oppose annexation.
Followings are the details of the debate on the settlement and annexation of the occupied Palestinian territories secured by the Labour MP for the Aberavon, Stephen Kinnock and the reply by the Minister for the Middle East and North Africa, James Cleverly in the House of Commons.
Stephen Kinnock (Aberavon) (Lab)
Labour MP for Aberavon, Stephen Kinnock secured this debate on the settlement and annexation of the Occupied Palestinian Territories in the House of Commons on Monday, 24th of September 2020. A number of Members from cross-section of parties of the House have participated in this debate.
It is about striving for peace,
justice and security for all
The Labour MP for Aberavon started by setting out three core principles. He said, “First, this is not about religion or ethnicity. It is not a question of Arab, Muslim or Jewish identity. It is about upholding the universal norms and values that we hold dear, and it is about working to constrain and reverse the actions of those who seek to undermine those norms and values. Nor is this about being pro-Israel or pro-Palestine. This is about striving for peace, justice and security for all.
We condemn violence in all its forms
“Secondly, we condemn violence in all its forms, whether it is Hamas launching rockets or the Israel Defence Forces bombarding Gaza or bulldozing Bedouin villages to make way for illegal settlements. We oppose any and all actions that lead to the death and destruction that have so tragically come to define this conflict.
We believe passionately in the Rule of Law
“Thirdly, we believe passionately in the rule of law. Indeed, our point of departure is that the rule of law is not up for negotiation. It is not some bargaining chip that can be tossed on to the table in exchange for concessions or compromises; it is the very cornerstone of the rules-based order and the bedrock of the norms, rights and values that we cherish and seek to defend.”
Israel’s consistent flouting of UN resolutions
and the fourth Geneva Convention
Stephen Kinnock also said, “Israel’s consistent flouting of UN resolutions and the fourth Geneva Convention has undermined the rules-based order for decades, and the international community can no longer just look the other way. Both sides in this conflict have witnessed horrific bloodshed and both sides deserve an end to the fear and suffering that they have had to experience. That is why it is so vital and urgent that the rule of law be brought to bear as the foundation upon which a viable and sustainable Palestine can be negotiated and built—a Palestine that protects the rights of its citizens and lives in peace with its neighbours.”
Illegal Israeli settlements undermine
all three of the principles
The Member for Aberavon also mentioned, “The illegal Israeli settlements undermine all three of the principles that I have set out. They drive and amplify the vicious identity politics that poisons this conflict. They cause violence on a daily basis and they are a flagrant breach of international law, yet they continue and expand.”
“In 2018, we marked 25 years since the signing of the Oslo accords. That moment in 1993 was meant to herald a new and lasting era of peace and co-existence—the beginning of a genuine two-state solution—but since then, the number of illegal settlers has increased from 258,000 to more than 610,000. Fifty thousand homes and properties have been demolished, and an illegal separation barrier has been built that carves up the west bank and brutally disconnects towns, cities, families and communities from each other. What have the Israeli people experienced in that time? They have experienced insecurity, fear of attacks through suicide bombings, rockets and mortars, knife attacks and car rammings. None of this will end while there is no proper peace and no end to the occupation. It has been a disaster for all sides in this conflict,” Stephen Kinnock mentioned.
So-called Abraham Accords- We should be realistic
In reply to a question on the so-called Abraham Accords, Stephen Kinnock said, “We certainly welcome any steps towards peace and conflict resolution, but we should be realistic about what the so-called Abraham accords really signify. The reality is that the United Arab Emirates and Israel have never been at war with each other. They have pre-existing and long-standing relations. Indeed, they have co-operated on military matters, in counter-revolutions, and in coups in many of the Arab League states. We should be realistic that this is really more the formalisation of pre-existing relations, rather than something new. Nevertheless, it is to be welcomed.”
President Trump Deal
“the reality is that the constant feature of everything that has happened since 1993 has been the expansion of the settlements, which are a flagrant breach of international law. Once we start to erode the foundations of international law on which all the negotiations are based, they are rendered effectively meaningless. We need to bear that in mind as we look back on what has happened since 1993, but it is also vital that we look to the future with hope and optimism,” Member for Aberavon mentioned.
It is not a Deal; it is a proposal
that is fundamentally flawed
Stephen Kinnock said, “It is against that backdrop that President Trump and the Prime Minister Netanyahu have come forward with their so-called deal of the century. This is not a deal. It is not a plan. It is not even a starting point for talks. It is a proposal that is fundamentally flawed because it has no basis in law. It is a land and power grab that would mean Israel seizing around 40% of the west bank, with full military and security control over the Palestinian people and their resources. Which Government, in their right mind, would ever agree to such terms? Why would the Palestinian Authority ever enter into talks on the basis of a document that effectively legitimises attempts to destroy any chance of an independent sovereign Palestine?”
How Much More Can Palestinians
be asked to compromise?
The Member of Parliament for Aberavon said, “But if one is seeking to restart negotiations, one needs to do so on the basis of a plan that has legitimacy. It is not possible to move forward if the plan is actually based on breaking the law. Countless UN resolutions have pointed out that the settlements, as they stand, are illegal, so that has to be taken off the table before there is even a basis for starting to talk. That is why it is perfectly understandable why the Palestinian Authority is refusing to engage on that basis. The Foreign Secretary and his Ministers continue to present the Trump-Netanyahu plan as a basis for talks. They ask the Palestinians to compromise, yet the Palestinians have already ceded 78% of their land to Israel. How much more can they be asked to compromise?”
Britain being seen as an honest broker
Rushanara Ali MP for Bethnal Green & Bow asked: The position the UK Government have taken actually puts at risk Britain being seen as an honest broker. In reply to that, The MP for Aberavon said, “I agree entirely. This country has a unique place in history and a unique responsibility, particularly if we trace this back to the Balfour declaration. It is vital that everything this Government say and do honours the commitments in that declaration.”
Threat to the feasibility of a two-state solution
Labour MP for East Ham Stephen Timms asked the question: Does he agree that the developments he is now describing pose a threat to the feasibility of a two-state solution, because there will not be enough left for a viable state in Palestine to be established? In reply to that the Member for Aberavon said: “If one looks at the map, one sees it is not really a viable geographical area anymore; it is an archipelago of patches of land that are no longer connected to each other. E1 and E2 would in many ways represent the final nail in the coffin of the two-state solution in my view.”
Huge Settlement Plan of 7,000 units
“Building on E1 is more of a danger to the two-state outcome than the formal annexation of parts of the west bank. It has long been seen by the UK, France and Germany as a red line. Another huge settlement plan of 7,000 units has been approved at Efrat to the south of Bethlehem, often labelled E2. In both cases, the reality is that the Israeli Government hold all the cards, while the Palestinian Authority have limited power and must rely on international solidarity,” mentioned by Stephen Kinnock MP..
Abraham Accords- Reality is the creeping
Annexation of their land increasing and accelerating
Stephen Kinnock said, “Those who take a more sympathetic view of the actions of the Israeli Government will no doubt point to the so-called Abraham accords, which were signed by UAE and Bahrain at the White House on 13 August, and which commit those states to the normalisation of relations with Israel. Yet the reality is that the Abraham accords are simply the formalisation of pre-existing and well-established relations between the signatories. Those states have been working together for years on joint military operations, coups and counter-revolutions. For the Palestinian people, nothing has changed. The reality is the creeping annexation of their land continuing and accelerating.”
Press the Israeli government to pull back
From creeping annexation and re-engage in talks
Member for Aberavon also mentioned, “Actions speak louder than words. The question we must therefore address today is how the British Government can use their position as a leading member of the international community to press the Israeli Government to pull back from creeping annexation and to re-engage in talks on the basis of a viable two-state solution. The problem we face is that the deadlock will continue as long as Israel rejects any deal that includes Jerusalem and does not mean Israel keeps the Jordan valley, rejects a sovereign viable Palestinian state, and will negotiate only on the basis of a plan that annexes occupied territory and includes total security control on any Palestinian entity, including control of all borders. Israel must drop those preconditions. There have already been some attempts by European states to assert their influence. For instance, 11 states, including the UK, Germany and France, joined in a démarche to the Israeli Foreign Ministry on 1 May opposing Netanyahu’s annexation plans. But together the international community must go further.”
Explore the potential for International
Criminal Court to play a role
Member for Aberavon said, “We should explore the potential for the International Criminal Court to play a role. The Israeli Attorney General’s office has already warned the Israeli Prime Minister that annexation could trigger an investigation of “senior Army officers, civil service officials and heads of regional councils of West Bank settlements”.”
UK government takes immediate steps with urgency
Stephen Kinnock MP suggested some immediate steps should be taken by the UK Government with urgency. He said, “It is essential that the UK condemns any further creeping annexation, but condemnation alone will never be enough. To this end, the UK Government must take the following steps with urgency.
(a) Immediately recognise the state of Palestine
“First, they must immediately recognise the state of Palestine on the basis of the 1967 lines. The UK Government argue that recognition should follow successful negotiations, but the logic of this argument is deeply flawed and partisan. It suggests that we are happy to see a 53-year-old occupation persist, legitimising the illegal actions of the Israeli Government and contributing to the brutality and violence that shame us all.
(b)Government Must Ban All Products
originated from Israeli Settlements
“Secondly, the Government must ban all products that originate from Israeli settlements in the occupied territories. Profiting from such products is tantamount to profiting from the proceeds of crime, and it must stop. When we trade with these settlements, we are essentially telling the world that international law does not matter, and such trade legitimises and facilitates the existence and expansion of the settlements. In 2014, it was right that the UK, as part of the European Union, prohibited trade with Crimea following its illegal annexation by Russia. It is crucial that we are consistent in our application of international law.”
(c) End the involvement of UK-based companies
within the illegal settlements
“Thirdly, the Government must act to end the involvement of UK-based companies within the illegal settlements. In March, the UN published a list of companies that are involved in the settlements, which included JCB, Opodo and Greenkote PLC. Charities actively involved in illegal settlement projects should not be eligible for the privileges of charitable status, including tax exemption. What steps will our Government now take to hold these companies and charities to account? I look forward to hearing the Minister’s views on these points. These measures must be put in place immediately: no more excuses, and no more obfuscation from this Government.
Easy to forget the human cost of this conflict
The Member for Aberavon also mentioned, “Standing here in the Chamber today, it is easy to forget the human cost of this conflict. Visiting the west bank and East Jerusalem with Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East and the Council for Arab-British Understanding in 2014, I saw how the settlements touched the lives of those in the occupied territories. I think of the father from Gaza I met in Makassed hospital who was nursing his four-year-old double-amputee son and worrying about his wife in another hospital 20 miles away, who had also had both her legs amputated. I think of the Bedouin community of Khan al-Ahmar, whose residents live in perpetual fear of military demolitions and harassment. I think of the quarter of a million children across the Palestinian territories who the UN identifies as in need of psychosocial support and child protection interventions. What future can these children look forward to? What hope can we offer them? A 10-year-old child in Gaza will already have witnessed three wars and nothing but the siege.”
Act Now
Stephen Kinnock MP for Aberavon emphasized, “I therefore rise today to convey this simple message to the Minister: act now. Act now to show that Britain is still a country that will give voice to the voiceless and stand up for the rights of the oppressed. Act now to show that Britain is still a beacon of hope and a country that stands tall in the world and strives relentlessly for peace and justice. Act now to help us to believe that yours is a Government who still believe in the rule of law.”
The Minister for the Middle East
And North Africa (James Cleverly)
The Minister for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) said, “I am genuinely grateful that the hon. Member for Aberavon (Stephen Kinnock) secured this debate on what is a sensitive but incredibly important issue. A number of Members from all parts of the House have highlighted that since initially being given a date for this debate, much has changed in Israel’s situation and its relationship with its regional neighbours and the Palestinian people.”
Middle Eastern Peace process
a complex and sensitive issue
Speaking about the Middle Eastern Peace Process, the Minister James Cleverly said, “The middle eastern peace process continues to be a complex and sensitive issue. I cannot really do it full justice in the time allocated today.”
Welcome the announcement of normalisation
of relations between Israel, UAE and Bahrain
The Minister for MENA also mentioned, “We warmly welcome the recent announcements of the normalisation of relations between Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. All three countries are good friends to the United Kingdom. We welcome that their relations have improved. I recognise the points that the hon. Member made about it formalising what was, in many instances, a pre-existing relationship, but that public formalisation really matters. As has already been discussed, it has unlocked direct flights through Saudi airspace, which is another significant issue. I do hope that it has also shown the leadership of the PA that there is a shift in mood among Arabic neighbours. They should recognise that and take this as an opportunity to positively engage with a dialogue for future peace.”
We desire a stable, secure and
peaceful two-state solution
The Minister for the MENA said, We desire a stable, secure and peaceful two-state solution. He said, “We desire a stable, secure and peaceful two-state solution, with a thriving Israel next door to a thriving Palestine based on 1967 borders, with agreed land swaps, Jerusalem as the shared capital of both states and fair, agreed and realistic settlements for refugees. We continue to believe that a two-state solution is the only viable long-term solution for the area. More than that, as a good friend of Israel, we genuinely believe it is in Israel’s best interests to also have a viable Palestinian state so that it can maintain its desired future as a Jewish democratic state.”
UK’s position on annexation
The Minister explained UK’s position on annexation to the House in clear and unambiguous terms. He said, “The UK’s position on annexation is that it would be a violation of international law. It would be counterproductive to securing peace, and it would be a significant blow to a viable two-state solution. As a lifelong friend, admirer and supporter of Israel—
The Minister gave way to Zarah Sultana who said, “In August, the Labour party announced that should annexation take place, we would call for a boycott of goods sourced in the occupied territories.” She asked, “Does the Minister agree that this would demonstrate a genuine commitment to the rights of the Palestinian people and international law?”
We Oppose Annexation – Said The Minister
About boycott, divestment and sanctions against Israel, the Minister for MENA said, “The UK Government have a long-standing position to oppose the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement towards the state of Israel, but more than that, it is better that we prevent annexation from taking place. We have made the case, through our excellent bilateral relationships, that we oppose annexation. The Prime Minister has consistently made it clear, as a vocal friend of the state of Israel, that he opposes annexation. He expressed this publicly in an article in the Israeli media and directly, including in a phone call with Prime Minister Netanyahu on 6 July. The Foreign Secretary raised this in Jerusalem on the 24 August with Prime Minister Netanyahu, Alternate Prime Minister Gantz and Foreign Minister Ashkenazi, and I outlined our opposition to such moves at the UN Security Council on 24 June. Our position is clear on that.”
“As a strong friend of Israel, and a friend who stood up for Israel when it faced biased and unreasonable criticism, we are continuing to urge Israel not to take steps in this direction and for annexation to be permanently removed as an option,” The Minister maintained.
Settlements are Illegal under international
Law - the Minister said
In reply to another question from Jim Shannon, the Minister mentioned, “The UK’s position on settlements is also clear. Again, they are illegal under international law and present an obstacle to a sustainable two-state solution. We want to see a contiguous west bank, including East Jerusalem, as part of a viable sovereign Palestinian state, based on the 1967 borders.”
“In 2016, the UK supported UN Security Council resolution 2334, which states that Israeli settlement activity “constitutes a flagrant violation” of international law and “has no legal validity”. This is the long-standing position of the UK Government, and we are able to have these very direct conversations with the Israeli Government because we are friends—long-standing and close friends of the Israeli people and the Israeli Government. That gives us the opportunity to have these frank and sometimes difficult discussions,” The Minister for Middle East and Nprth Africa mentioned.
UK Government maintains support to
United Nations Relief and Works Agency
Referring to the question by The hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon) and paying tribute to the hon. Member for Oxford West and Abingdon (Layla Moran), who injected a very moving, personal contribution; the Minister for MENA said, “We must always remember that this is not just about lines on maps and international power politics—this is actually about people. That is why the UK Government maintain our support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, to help those people who are suffering because of this unresolved situation.
Businesses and Activities in the Occupied Territories
The Minister for MENA also referred to the contributions of The hon. Member for Stirling (Alyn Smith), who asked about businesses and their activities in the occupied territories. He said, “We give guidance to businesses and ultimately it is a decision for individual companies whether to operate in settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, but the British Government absolutely do not encourage or support such activities. As I have said, the British Government firmly oppose boycotts of Israel, but we understand the concerns of people who do not wish to purchase goods exported from Israeli settlements near the OPTs. It was in order to allow consumers to have that choice that in December 2009 the UK Government introduced voluntary guidance to enable products from Israeli settlements near the OPTs to be specifically labelled as such.”
This debate is about protecting the
viability of a peaceful, secure state
The Minister, James Cleverly MP concluded by saying, “the debate I will close with a reminder that this debate is about protecting the viability of a peaceful, secure state of Israel, and a peaceful and secure state for the Palestinian people. There is an opportunity, and we have encouraged the Palestinian Authority to engage with Israel, the United States of America, its Arab neighbours and friends, and the UK, to put a counter-offer on the table. We know that President Trump is someone who likes to do a deal, and we strongly urge our friends in the region to take him up on the offer.”
Stephen Kinnock, the Member for Aberavon thanked all the members present at this rich and multifaceted debate. But he said, “If I had to distil it, I think there are five really important points that we need to take away from it.” He mentioned:
“First, the UAE deal has not stopped annexation. The settlements continue. Planning has been approved for 3,500 new units in E1 and 7,000 in E2. It is blatantly not the case that annexation and settlements have stopped, so we should shoot that fox.
“Secondly, the Trump plan has to be taken off the table. It is not a viable basis for negotiations. It represents the breaking of international law.
“Thirdly, the British Government must recognise Palestine immediately, on the basis of 1967 lines; otherwise, we are simply not having a realistic or constructive engagement in this process.
“Fourthly, on banning trade in products, the Minister kept saying that this is about banning trade in products from Israel, but it is not Israel that we are talking about. The illegal settlements are not Israel. They are illegally occupied territory that should belong to the Palestinians, as my hon. Friend the Member for Coventry South (Zarah Sultana) correctly pointed out.
“Finally, we need to act against those British companies that are involved in the illegal settlements. It is all very well having guidelines and encouragement, but that is clearly not working. It is time for the British Government to step up to the plate. It is time for tangible action. Hand wringing and expressions of outrage will no longer cut it. We need to see action, and we need to see it now.”
Question put and agreed to.
No comments:
Post a Comment