Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)

I thank the Minister for his comprehensive reply. May I ask him specifically if there is evidence that the issue of east Jerusalem is on the table for negotiation and resolution on the part of Israel? With reference to his remarks about the reduction in settlement in the West Bank, is he aware that the withdrawal from Gaza, if it included all settlers, would be 7,500 settlers, whereas in the West Bank the number of settlers is 240,000 and the number of Palestinians in east Jerusalem is 120,000? Has the Minister noted any sign that the Gaza withdrawal is not as has been described by a senior adviser to the Sharon Government, one that is an alternative to the peace plan?

Is there any evidence that progress is being made in the areas with the worst kind of settlement, namely, the West Bank and East Jerusalem where, until a recent decision of the Israeli Attorney General, there was a threat that Palestinian property would be taken over on the basis of absenteeism?

I welcome the statement on the release of prisoners. What initiative can be taken by Ireland and its partners to drive on the process, past the Gaza withdrawal, to include the issues of the West Bank and East Jerusalem?

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