Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have had the opportunity to visit the area several times, most recently around this time last year. It is important to acknowledge the work EAAPI does in difficult circumstances and also the work of the Israeli NGOs, in particular, as they face even more difficult circumstances because of what they are trying to achieve in their country. The position is intolerable for the Bedouin community. Forcible transfer is illegal and, in the bigger picture, also immoral. It is also making a two-state solution impossible.

There has been very good diplomatic pressure from the various embassies in ensuring there are delays in court decisions. That diplomatic pressure has also worked in a number of other situations. It is up to the Government to act. Exactly as the delegates were saying, it is up to politicians and governments to be strong in their statements.

I have seen the Bedouin camps and we should not lose sight of the appalling conditions in which the occupants live. Forcible transfer is completely and utterly wrong and to be condemned. We have to look at the living conditions of the Bedouin who deserve better treatment across the board.

I had the opportunity to meet the Palestinian community in Damascus and observe the work of UNWRA on the ground and the opportunities it is giving to the Palestinian people. Some members of the group I was with had an opportunity to go into the camps in Beirut and the conditions in them were appalling. Conditions for Palestinians in Damascus were far superior. I have been to the Aida camp several times. There is great resilience and hope, as well as a great drive to get on with life that can also be seen in Ramallah and Nablus. It is important to highlight that, in spite of all the doom and gloom and negativity, the Palestinian people are amazing in the way they get on with what they have to do. The onus is on us to try to work at the political level to halt the demolitions. It all comes back to the need for a two-state solution, to which so much lip service is being paid. When I go there and see the continuing encroachment and settlement building, I ask how there could possibly be a two-state solution.