Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 19 and 20 together.

I was very pleased to have had the honour to meet with the Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Ireland on 6 June. The ambassador told me it was the first time a Palestinian representative had been welcomed to the office of the Taoiseach. The ambassador was very gracious in acknowledging the work of the Government and Ireland in the context of recognising the State of Palestine, describing the step we took jointly with Spain and Norway as a source of strength, hope and light for the people of Palestine that put her country on a different level in the world’s perception. I reiterated that Ireland’s foreign policy is guided by international law and human rights and that this also guided our decision to recognise the State of Palestine, which deserves to take its place among the nations of the world, an objective now shared by the overwhelming majority of member states of the United Nations.

We spoke about ongoing efforts to secure an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional and immediate release of hostages. The onus is on all parties to engage constructively in these efforts to bring about a ceasefire plan and to work to bring this devastating conflict to an end. We spoke about the appalling humanitarian situation in Gaza, especially the desperate catastrophe unfolding there. We also spoke about increased tensions in the West Bank and the activities of violent settlers there. We discussed concerns that the current conflict will result in the radicalisation of young people, both in the occupied territories and in Israel.

The ambassador assured me that the people of Palestine, like people everywhere, want nothing more than to live in peace and security, to raise and educate their families, and to see a better future for young Palestinians than this and previous generations have known. I assured her that recognition was not the end of a process, and that Ireland will continue to work with all who wish to see a peaceful and secure Israel living alongside a peaceful and secure Palestine. Only a peace based on a two-state solution can be just and lasting. We will continue our work with Arab and European partners to support the Arab Peace Vision, and to generate momentum towards achieving the two-state-solution. Our immediate focus remains on the urgent pursuit of a ceasefire, the release of hostages and a surge in unhindered humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza.

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