Thank you for writing to me about the imminent demolition of the Palestinian village Khan al-Ahmar from Israeli forces.

As vice-chair of Labour Friends’ of Palestine, I and colleagues continue to raise the plight of Palestinians and other ethnic groups within the Middle East.  Indeed, I visited Khan al-Ahmar earlier this year to see the school that is at imminent threat of demolition.

Governments, including our own, have failed to hold Israel to account for their deliberate attacks on Palestinians and vulnerable groups and other war crimes. Words of condemnation in and of themselves are not enough.

I was incredibly distraught to hear that the demolition process had already started in the nearby village of Abu Nuwar. While I was glad to hear that the bulldozers had stopped before the demolition of the village had commenced, I was troubled to hear that 35 Palestinian protesters had been injured by Israeli security forces.

As you will know, on the 5 September Israel’s Supreme Court rejected appeals against the demolition of Khan al-Ahmar. I understand that the Israeli Government are now blocking all routes into and out of Khan al-Ahmar and leaving only one open. Many, including the United Nations and the European Parliament, have been highly critical, saying the move jeopardises any chance of a two-state solution being found in the region.

When the demolition starts not only will families lose their homes, children will lose their school and a community will be dispersed. The United Nations have warned that forced eviction is against international law

Labour have pushed the UK Government on this many times. I have written to the Israeli Ambassador and I have raised the issue in Parliament but it continues to fall on deaf ears.  I have called for sanctions on several occasions and sadly I think this is one of the few options we are now left with in response to the Israeli Government’s continued illegal actions.

I will continue to push this at every available opportunity and I appreciate you adding your voice to the many against this awful injustice.