Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 to 16, inclusive, together.

I reported to the Dáil on 22 May regarding my recent discussions with international leaders on the situation in the Middle East. Since then, I have had calls with President Abbas of Palestine, with the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Shehbaz Sharif, and with President Erdogan of Türkiye, following our recognition of the State of Palestine.

In my call with President Abbas, I informed him of the Government's decision to recognise the State of Palestine to keep the hopes of a two-state peace solution between Israel and Palestine alive. President Abbas, in thanking Ireland and the Irish people for that decision, told me that the decision was a beacon of hope to the Palestinian people and he thanked Ireland, Spain and Norway. He also underlined his position and that of the Palestinian Authority that Israel has the right to exist in peace and security with its neighbours. We also spoke about the need for a lasting ceasefire and an end to the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

In our call on 24 May, Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif welcomed Ireland's decision to recognise the State of Palestine. We also discussed the devastating situation in Gaza. We also exchanged views on bilateral relations and other global issues, including the situation in Ukraine and the forthcoming summit in Switzerland on peace in Ukraine.

I also discussed the situation in Gaza with Turkish President Erdogan, as well as the wider implications of the conflict for the Middle Eastern region. President Erdogan again thanked Ireland for its recognition of the State of Palestine, which he stated was important for providing momentum towards a two-state solution. We also discussed and reviewed Irish-Turkish bilateral relations.

I held a call with the President of Israel on 17 May. During my call with the President, I set out Ireland's position on the war in Gaza. I told the President that we expected to see an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an urgent and massively scaled-up distribution of humanitarian aid. I also highlighted our deep concern about the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe. President Herzog conveyed Israel's concerns about Irish plans to recognise the State of Palestine.

See this speech in context