Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I have previously outlined my belief that settlements are now at the heart of the continuing conflict and represent a key obstacle in then way of peace. It is very important that the EU has now clearly highlighted the continuing expansion of settlements as posing a real threat to the viability of a negotiated peace and the two-state solution. Every expansion of settlements makes peace more difficult for three reasons. First, the settlements are physically making the construction of a viable Palestinian state more difficult. Second, settlements and the measures taken to protect them inherently involve dispossession and theft of Palestinian land and resources, and daily obstacles and humiliations for Palestinians, increasing the likelihood of an explosive reaction. Third, this ongoing pressure on Palestinians makes it difficult or impossible for their leaders to sit down and talk with Israel while this continues outside the room.

Considerable progress has been made in that we have now secured a very strong European Union statement unanimously agreed by all 27 member states on the issue. I have asked that we return to it in the autumn to determine if any progress has been made. If progress is not made the European Union will need to consider stronger action, including perhaps a ban on products from the settlement areas.

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