Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We need to try to move forward a process that treats both sides with equal respect, one that allows for a situation whereby the legitimate concerns of Palestinian people are addressed. We need to see addressed the misery that many Palestinians live in today, especially the humanitarian challenges they face in Gaza and parts of the West Bank. That is why the international community, including the European Union, must show leadership and facilitate a process whereby we can have a negotiated solution again. That has not been the case for more than two decades now, despite the fact that the Oslo Accords provide a clear roadmap to do that.

Taking hard line positions on one side or the other is not helpful. We need to recognise when mistakes are made. I believe a mistake was made last week by the US President in making the announcement that he did. We all have a responsibility to try to calm things after that mistake.

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