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

As regards the humanitarian situation in Gaza and funding for UNRWA, we call on all states to restore their funding for UNRWA pending the outcome of the investigation about possible collaboration. The EU has done that and has restored funding and we want other countries to do the same.

As regards my talks in Washington, yes, we talked about the US putting more pressure on Israel to allow more trucks through, and that is being done. The US also has proposals to build a temporary jetty or port to allow more aid to get through. I think we all agree that it needs to go through by land, however; there is only so much that can be done by port and air. We have had conversations with Jordan about how we might be able to help in a practical way, but the main way we can help is through money and political pressure, and that is what we are doing.

As regards the Sánchez-Varadkar letter to President von der Leyen, that has been followed up on. It was discussed twice at the Foreign Affairs Council. The discussion was led by Vice-President Borrell. He asked ministers for a political steer on it and as to how to proceed and there was not a consensus. Some countries took the view that a review or action should be initiated in order to put pressure on Israel. Other countries took the view that should not be done. In the absence of consensus to move things forward, things have not moved forward, but I will raise it again tomorrow in my discussions with Vice-President Borrell and President von der Leyen.

On the point raised by Deputy Barry, I am happy to clarify that when I referred to his approach, I was referring to calls for boycotts of our allies, such as the US and President Biden. I do not think that would have a productive effect. The slot would just have been filled by somebody else, quite frankly. I do not think it would have resonated around the world. I do think the protests are important and effective. The protests that have happened around the world have been helpful, frankly, on this issue to those of us who are trying to get much the same outcome as the Deputy, albeit a two-state solution rather than a one-state solution, which almost nobody on the ground actually wants.

As regards my discussions with President Biden, I discussed US military aid for Ukraine and Israel. President Biden made it very clear that Israel has its own military strength and that the US would continue military aid for Israel in order that it can defend itself against the many countries that do not recognise it and would wish to attack it.

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