Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Tá áthas orm a bheith anseo chun an t-ábhar tábhachtach seo a phlé sa Seanad. Senator Ward raises extremely serious concerns that are being raised by many other colleagues, and I am delighted he has taken the opportunity this morning to raise them again.

The demolition of Palestinian homes and the demolition or seizure of structures, including schools, is cruel and unjust. These practices cause suffering to ordinary Palestinians and impinge on the right of children to an education. Demolitions and seizures of Palestinian property and humanitarian aid, including Palestinian homes, have continued despite previous commitments from Israeli authorities not to target Palestinian residential structures during this pandemic. The only conclusion we can draw from the systematic nature of these policies, especially in areas where illegal Israeli settlements have already been constructed, is that they are aimed at forcing Palestinians off their land. In addition to its human impact, this activity undermines the feasibility of a two-state solution.

Ireland has conveyed our views on these actions to the Israeli authorities. In a statement last Friday the Minister for Foreign Affairs called on Israel to halt demolitions and to allow for legal construction for Palestinian residents. Our ambassador in Tel Aviv has raised the issue of demolitions with the Israeli authorities in recent weeks along with a group of EU and non-EU colleagues. Our representative in Ramallah remains engaged on this issue and regularly undertakes visits to sites affected by demolitions. I understand that today the representative is due to take part in a visit by EU and other like-minded countries to a West Bank area threatened by demolitions. Ireland is committed to reducing the vulnerability of Palestinian communities living in Area C of the West Bank. Ireland is a member of the West Bank Protection Consortium, which plays a leading role in supporting threatened communities and co-ordinating the provision of essential services to them, including material assistance and legal aid.

It is of additional concern - and the Senator rightly highlights this - when the structures confiscated or demolished are donor-funded. The practice of demolition and confiscation of humanitarian assets, including education and schools infrastructure, is contrary to Israel's obligations under international law, including the provisions of international humanitarian law, in particular the Fourth Geneva Convention. Our principal concern is the hardship and injustice that demolitions and confiscations cause for Palestinian families. It is important also, however, that the question of recompense for humanitarian relief funded by our taxpayers, as Senator Ward rightly said, should be pursued. Ireland, together with a group of EU member states, pursues this issue consistently through the West Bank Protection Consortium. It is the practice of the consortium to raise this directly with the Israeli authorities. To date, the consortium has sought compensation of more than €625,000 in respect of confiscated or demolished assets. Ireland will continue to engage on these matters and will continue our support for a peaceful settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and a negotiated two-state solution.