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

The recent large-scale outbreak of attacks in both directions across the Gaza border has shown again how dangerous and easily combustible is the situation. There were hundreds of aerial attacks in each direction, causing the deaths of eight people. In addition, very large numbers of civilians on both sides had to spend hours in shelters. Hamas knows only too well the response that is likely to come from Israel when it fires hundreds of rockets into Israel. I have said over and over again that terrorism and violence will not achieve a lasting peace settlement between Israelis and Palestinians. In view of the potential for a further escalation, I was relieved an effective ceasefire was quickly re-established and commend all those who were instrumental in achieving it, notably Egypt. I hope it will allow progress to be made towards a more durable truce.

These events strongly reinforce what I have stressed in all of my discussions on Gaza, both in the region and at European Union and international level at the United Nations. So long as the position in Gaza is allowed to fester, the outbreaks of violence, each one threatening to be bigger and more destructive than the last, are likely to recur. The blockade is inhumane and should be ended. All parties need to consider and attempt ways to change the dynamic and break the cycle, including on the Palestinian side and in the context of reconciliation, to allow for the prospect of a Palestinian authority to govern Gaza in the future. Conscious as I am of the particular needs of Gaza, Ireland is advancing specific projects on educational scholarships and power infrastructure to contribute to humanitarian efforts there.

My intention to hold a small ministerial retreat-style meeting in Dublin relates to the overall Middle East conflict and peace process, rather than specifically to Gaza, although the two are, of course, interlinked. I have had a largely positive reaction to the idea from Ministers and others with whom I have discussed it and I am proceeding to see if such a meeting can be arranged for early in the new year.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House

The intention is to hold a meeting away from the spotlight to allow for off-the-record reflection and the sharing of ideas. I do not wish to say much more about the event at this stage, pending consideration of an agenda with other potential participants.

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