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

The attack on Huwara was particularly shocking in its scale and intensity and the sense of impunity. Israel has clear obligations to protect Palestinian civilians from such attacks. As the Deputy is aware, the Israeli and Palestinian security officials met at the summit in Aqaba, Jordan, last month, and again at Sharm el-Sheikh on Sunday. I met with the Jordanian foreign minister on this issue and took his counsel in respect of the efforts he was making to broker these talks. The United States, Egypt and Jordan facilitated that meeting, at which a series of limited steps to reduce tensions was agreed. The focus now has to be on implementation. Notwithstanding the Aqaba summit, violence subsequently happened. I listened to the comments of the Jordanian foreign minister on this matter. He believes the frameworks are still there to try to reduce tensions and de-escalate this as quickly as possible. Both sides have agreed to de-escalation on the ground to prevent further violence. That is where our focus must be. That is what we have to do to give respite in the immediate phase for Palestinian citizens.

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