Thank you for contacting me about evictions in East Jerusalem.
The UK is clear that evictions of Palestinians from their homes causes unnecessary suffering to ordinary Palestinians, calls into question Israel's commitment to a viable two-state solution and, in all but the most exceptional of cases, are contrary to International Humanitarian Law and the Fourth Geneva Convention, the latter of which applies to all occupied territories, and prohibits demolitions or forced evictions absent military necessity. I join ministers in calling for evictions, which only serve to increase tensions on the ground, to cease with immediate effect.
The UK regularly makes clear our concerns about the evictions of Palestinians from their homes in East Jerusalem to the Israeli authorities and the Municipality of Jerusalem, both bilaterally and in co-operation with like-minded diplomatic partners, including at a ministerial level. The UK also regularly makes our position clear on the world stage, including via the main organs of UN such as the Security Council, Human Rights Council and General Assembly.
The British Consulate in Jerusalem is monitoring the situation in Sheikh Jarrah, Silwan and throughout occupied East Jerusalem closely, and that officials based there regularly observe evictions and attend related court hearings, including to call on Israel to stop such practices.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.