Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

We should not give up hope. While I accept that some of the utterances by Hamas on the two-state solution have been unhelpful, it must be acknowledged that it is the international community, and not just the European Union, that advocates such a solution. The involvement of the Union has been upscaled recently and it is interesting to note that, over the past year, it has increased its aid allocation to Palestine by 30%. There has been a 40% increase in the allocation of the Irish Government. Although there has been a ramping up in aid, we fully accept the humanitarian situation in the region is dire. However, a solution will only be reached if a viable Government is formed and that is one reason the European Union has been trying its level best to assist Hamas and President Abbas in putting together a national unity Government. We believed we were close to doing so in recent days and weeks but, unfortunately, the process is taking somewhat longer. Until the parties involved acknowledge the two-state solution as the only viable way in which the people can live side by side, the region will continue to be subject to flux.

The European Union has launched a number of initiatives. A recent one spearheaded by three countries, including Spain, contains a number of positive features we believe could be taken on board. The French were involved to some extent. However, the conflict ultimately must be dealt with in the context of the international community, under the guise of the Quartet, pushing the two-state solution. It is a question of encouraging the people I hope will be going into government in Palestine to recognise what are regarded in this House as democratic norms, including adherence to non-violence. They must recognise that Israel is a democratic country. It is understandable that one may have difficulties with the attitude of the Israelis in view of what has happened but we must be conscious that it is not a one-sided issue.

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