Gay Mitchell (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 393: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to allegations (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12492/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am satisfied that there is no basis for the allegations to which the Deputy refers. In an overall context, the Government and our EU partners have consistently made it clear in our contacts with the Israeli authorities that we recognise Israel's right, and duty, to protect its citizens from attack. However, it is essential that all military operations are carried out in accordance with international humanitarian law and with full respect for the rights and welfare of Palestinian civilians. We regularly convey our concerns about the human rights implications of Israeli security policies, and have condemned various specific actions by the security forces. We continue to monitor the situation in the Occupied Territories closely.

The Government remains convinced that there can be no military or unilateral solutions to the Israeli – Palestinian conflict. I believe that there is now a political opportunity to revive a credible peace process based on negotiations for a viable two-State solution. In this context, the EU has called very clearly for an end to all violence in and from the Occupied Territories. All rocket attacks on Israeli territory should cease, and Israel should end military operations in Gaza and the West Bank. The priority now should be to ensure that the ceasefire in Gaza is extended to the West Bank, and that attention can be focused firmly on the possibilities for political progress.