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

The programme for Government states the Government will "[h]onour our commitment to recognise the State of Palestine as part of a lasting settlement of the conflict, or in advance of that, when we believe doing so will progress efforts to reach a two-state solution or protect the integrity of Palestinian territory". I have emphasised on several occasions that the timing and context of any such decision would need to take account of a number of considerations. In particular, it is necessary to assess whether the resulting loss of influence would be matched by a commensurate benefit for the Palestinian people and a positive impact on a sustainable peace on the basis of a two-state solution. My judgment at present is that this is not the case.

It is clear the current situation is deeply troubling. At the same time, over recent months, we have witnessed an increase in international engagement.

I welcome the discussions which took place in Aqaba and Sharm el-Sheikh over the religious holiday period, which brought both parties around the table, albeit with a relatively limited focus on de-escalation. The United Nations Security Council has been seized of this matter, issuing a consensus statement on 20 February, reiterating a strong opposition to all unilateral measures that impede peace. It is also significant that the UN General Assembly has sought an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice, ICJ, on the legal consequences arising from Israel's prolonged occupation.

I have asked my Department to begin work on preparing a written statement. I plan to seek Government approval for the submission of that statement to the court in advance of the July deadline. My priority is to underline the need for these efforts of the international community to enhance the prospect of meaningful engagement between the parties with a view to restoring a political horizon towards a two-state solution. Ireland's bilateral engagement with the Palestinian National Authority, notably our programme of assistance to the Palestinian people, also reinforces our commitment to the development of a viable, sovereign Palestinian state, living in peace alongside the State of Israel. In 2023, Ireland will provide more than €16 million in development and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people, including measures aimed at building the institutions of a Palestinian state.

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