Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 314: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action he will take regarding Israeli troops in the occupied territories; and if he will raise this issue with the EU, UN and the Israeli Consul here. [27341/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is very concerned at the increasingly serious situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and especially at the prospect of a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. We, and our EU partners, are firmly convinced that this crisis must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. The Government has been active in the EU and at the UN in the promotion of a peaceful outcome. Over the past week, we have also maintained direct contacts with the Israeli and Palestinian authorities, through our Embassy in Tel Aviv and the Representative Office in Ramallah, and through their diplomatic representatives in Dublin. We have conveyed the clear message that the kidnapped Israeli soldier should be released immediately and unconditionally, and that all parties should continue to use every diplomatic option to ensure there is no further escalation of the situation in the Occupied Territories. We have called for an end to all violence in the Occupied Territories, including the firing of rockets at Israeli territory. This message has also been conveyed by the EU, both publicly and in private.

In appealing to all parties to act now with maximum restraint, the Government has expressed its serious concern at the effect of recent Israeli military actions on the already serious humanitarian situation of the Palestinian people, especially the destruction of essential infrastructure. We believe it is essential that the Israeli Government ensures that all military operations are fully in accordance with international law. We, and our EU partners, have also expressed our concern about the detention by the Israeli authorities of democratically-elected members of the Government of the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian Legislative Council. It remains the clear view of the EU that only a negotiated two-State solution can bring peace and security to the Israeli and the Palestinian people. It is now more important than ever that all parties demonstrate a genuine commitment to the search for such a solution, based on the principles set out in the Quartet Roadmap.