Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)

I would like to begin by restating the Government’s commitment to achieving a just and lasting settlement of the conflict involving Palestinians and Israel. Appropriate, timely and effective action on this crisis has been a priority for the Government. Our foreign policy on this issue has been clear and consistent for decades, grounded in the commitment to uphold international law. We are in a better position now than we have been in recent months, notwithstanding everything that has happened.

The agreement on a ceasefire represents progress. It has brought desperately needed respite to Palestinians in Gaza and relief to the people of Israel, not all of whom support the actions of their Government. The long-overdue release of hostages held by Hamas is also very welcome and a significant development. It has brought relief to the hostages and their families. Hamas needs to complete the release of the remains of those hostages who were killed, so that their families can properly mourn them.

I commend the efforts of the US, as well as Qatar, Türkiye and Egypt, in securing this much-needed agreement. I commend efforts to progress the implementation of what has been agreed. The international community must play its part if these efforts are to succeed. We will have peace and two states in the region. The adoption of a resolution on Gaza by the UN Security Council is an important step towards implementation of the peace plan. The text provides clarity on how the next stages of the plan will be taken forward, including the creation of an international stabilisation force. The Security Council has the international authority to make these decisions and I am glad it has done that. There are references in the text to working towards a Palestinian state, which is welcome.

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