Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their presentation. It is important to realise the valuable and courageous work on Palestine that the EAPPI carries out and the major difference that it is making by reporting to and telling the world what is happening.

Sinn Féin is acutely aware of the urgent situation facing the residents of Khan al-Ahmar. It is clear that the destruction of the village and the forcible transfer of its population constitutes a war crime. Due to the village's strategic location, its destruction is also a major threat to a two-state solution. My colleague, Deputy Crowe, has repeatedly raised this issue with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. While the Minister has been outspoken on the issue, to date we have seen no action from Ireland or the EU to stop this war crime and major threat to the two-state solution.

I have been informed that Israel's Supreme Court judgment on the demolition did not order it, but merely permitted it. The decision, therefore, lies entirely with the Israeli Government. This underlines the importance of international pressure to affect the government's calculus at this moment.

What type of action is needed to ensure this war crime does not happen? If Israel proceeds to commit it, Ireland should push for the EU to suspend the EU-Israel association agreement. Would the EAPPI agree with that?

According to the EU's recently issued six-month report on Israeli demolitions, 26 EU-funded structures worth €60,900 have been destroyed or confiscated by Israel. To echo Senator Bacik's question, would the EAPPI support a demand for compensation? Such a demand should be forthcoming from the EU.

I have a number of other questions, but if the Acting Chairman prefers to take questions in rounds, I would be happy to wait and do whatever supports that.