Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am deeply concerned by the significant increase in settler violence on the West Bank. Ireland condemns in the strongest possible terms all acts of violence committed by settlers against Palestinian civilians. Ireland uses all available opportunities to make this point, including within the European Union and at the United Nations. The Irish Embassy in Tel Aviv also makes our position clear to the Israeli authorities bilaterally.

The mass settler violence in Huwara at the end of February was a particularly disturbing example of the escalation in recent months. As the occupying power, Israel has a clearly defined legal obligation to protect Palestinian citizens. The pervasive culture of impunity in response to incidents of settler violence is deeply concerning.

I engage regularly with partners on this issue, including my meetings with Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ayman Safadi, including in Munich in February, and with the Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres, in New York last week. Ireland also raised this issue of settler violence at the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels yesterday.

Ireland’s position on Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory is crystal clear. The continued establishment and expansion of settlements violate international law, undermine prospects for a two-state solution and are a major obstacle to a just, lasting and comprehensive peace. We demand that Israel immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and that it fully respects all its legal obligations in that regard.

In the current worrying context, it is important to consider steps to de-escalate the situation and avoid unilateral decisions and actions that fuel more conflict. I welcome that an agreement to reduce tensions was recently reached between Israeli and Palestinian security officials. The focus must now be on the implementation in good faith of this agreement. Ireland stands ready to help the parties rebuild a path towards dialogue and work together to reverse the negative cycle of violence and avoid any further loss of life.

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