The UK remains fully committed to a negotiated two-state solution for Israel and Palestine. This would mean a secure Israel living peacefully alongside a sovereign and viable Palestinian state, based on the borders of 1967. The UK Government will continue to push for progress towards peace and lead the way in supporting a negotiated two state solution.
It is vital that the civilian Palestinian population is protected but the Government has been absolutely clear that Israel has a right to defend itself from indiscriminate attacks. Hamas faces a fundamental decision about whether it is prepared to join efforts for peace, or whether it will continue to use violence and terror with all the terrible consequences for the people of Gaza. The Government is clear that Israel has a right to exist. It will however continue to raise concerns over Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem as they are illegal under international law and an obstacle to peace.
As the Prime Minister made clear in his speech to the Knesset in March 2014, Britain opposes boycotts, whether it is trade unions campaigning for the exclusion of Israelis or universities trying to stifle academic exchange.
Anti-Semitism is entirely unacceptable, no matter what your view is on the situation in Israel and the OPTs. I am encouraged by the steps the Government has taken to protect Jewish communities in the UK and its commitment to continue tackling hate crime and address the poisonous ideologies behind anti-Semitism which promote hatred and violence. These steps include working with police to protect Jewish communities, giving more than £2 million a year to protect children and teachers at Jewish schools and working with Jewish community organisations.