Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge that the Minister, Deputy Coveney, cannot be here. I know he engaged with Senator Black on this yesterday at some length. I would like to restate the Government’s deep concern at the intensification of violence in Gaza, on the West Bank, and in Israel. Now is the time for de-escalation, as the Senator correctly points out, before further loss of life. We need to encourage all efforts to reach a ceasefire. These events are terrifying for both Palestinian and Israeli civilians. The number of child casualties is particularly shocking. The protection of all civilians is of paramount importance and it is an obligation under international humanitarian law.

Ireland has been vocal, as the Senator will acknowledge, in its condemnation of the escalating situation in the Middle East. Yesterday, the Minister, Deputy Coveney, addressed the UN Security Council, which met in emergency session. He called for the council to condemn the violence and that all parties must adhere to international humanitarian law and respect human rights. Adherence to international law is critical. The Minister has also spoken to his counterparts in the Middle East region to underline the need to protect civilians, bring an end to this violence and move towards political engagement. EU foreign ministers will meet tomorrow in an extraordinary session to discuss the issue.

The overall human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territory remains a matter of serious concern. The protection and promotion of human rights is an integral part of Ireland’s foreign policy and we consistently seek to raise our concerns on human rights issues through the most appropriate and effective channels. Our active participation at the UN Human Rights Council is particularly important for us in that regard. Ireland is a consistent and strong supporter of interactive dialogues with the UN special rapporteur for human rights in the occupied Palestinian territory at the UN Human Rights Council and the UN General Assembly. At the most recent session of the UN Human Rights Council in March, Ireland made a statement under item 7 during the general debate, which restated our commitment to the principles of accountability and emphasised that Ireland will continue to speak out against unilateral actions which are in breach of international humanitarian law. Ireland regularly conveys our concerns on human rights issues to the Israeli authorities, both directly and through the EU. The Minister raised these concerns with the Israeli ambassador last week. We also provide financial support to Israeli and Palestinian NGOs working on human rights issues.In respect of the occupied territories Bill, I know from her contributions on the Government's position that the Senator is well aware that the Bill is not and will not be compatible with EU law and will not be implementable. This is the clear legal advice on the matter the Government has received from two Attorneys General. As a Government that is strongly committed to the observance of international law as a solution, if it is not legal it is not something we will take forward.

Ireland has consistently and strongly opposed settlements, and will continue to do so. Ireland is very clear on the illegality of Israel’s settlement policy, which can only be seen as a strategy to take possession of Palestinian lands and is fundamentally undermining the two-state solution and a future Palestinian state. The events of the past few days have not happened in isolation. They come after settlement expansion and threats of violence against Palestinians in particular. Ireland remains firmly committed to a negotiated two-state solution based on international law, the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the agreed parameters. I thank the Senator for raising the issue.