UK MPs say Israeli restrictions on Palestinian land must end

Excessive Israeli restrictions on Palestinian territories cannot be justified on the grounds they protect the Jewish state, a British parliamentary committee says.

“We challenge the assertion that restrictions which curtail economic development in the OPTs [Occupied Palestinian Territories] are based on Israel’s security needs and can be justified on security grounds,” the report by the International Development Committee says.

The paper expresses particular concern about the situation in Hebron, in the southern West Bank.

“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,” the report said.

The prevention of Palestinian businesses investing in the Israeli-controlled zone should be opposed by Britain and other European countries, the report says. It adds that issues such as greater access to water and construction permits should be addressed.

–AFP