Eric Byrne (Dublin South Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the ambassador and applaud his statement that, "Relationships must change between Israel, the Palestinians and third party states and be transformed into ones that centre on accountability," because that is the essence of what we are trying to achieve. He mentioned European taxpayers. Gaza must be rebuilt. The figure for emergency aid is already $367 million. Does the ambassador support an independent external body monitoring the reconstruction programme in Gaza to counter what is alleged to have happened in the past, namely, corruption? Can he again assure the committee - I know that he has attempted to do so, but I will ask him again in the light of the previous question - that there is Palestinian political will to work together as a consensus government, to rebuild Gaza and represent all Palestinians on the West Bank, in Gaza and east Jerusalem? Is there a satisfactory consensus government in place?

The 1967 borders were mentioned. Palestine has progressed to having non-member state observer status at the United Nations. Will the ambassador give us a commitment, as his state concept is recognised, that will he support joining the International Criminal Court which would allow claims to be lodged against Israel or Palestine?