Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy has asked a very valid question. I join her in expressing my deep concern about what is happening around Al-Shifa Hospital at the moment. I was encouraged to hear President Biden in particular speaking on this issue. We maintain diplomatic contacts with Israel for a number of reasons. Diplomatic relations do not, of course, mean that we are necessarily friends or allies. However, it does mean that we talk and can at least deal with each other. Emily Hand, an Irish citizen, is being held hostage by Hamas in Gaza; we want her out. Between 30 and 60 Irish citizens and their dependants are in Gaza. We need co-operation from Israel to get them out and that is happening today. We have 400 troops on the Golan Heights and in south Lebanon. We need to be able to contact and talk to Israel so that their safety can remain paramount. We also want Ireland at some point - hopefully in the not-too-distant future - to have a meaningful role in a new peace process that will give the Palestinians the state they deserve and need. Those are four reasons we need keep diplomatic relations open with Israel.

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