Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 311: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on a petition (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43931/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Government has consistently called for an end to the isolation of the people of Gaza, in particular through the reopening of crossing points for the movement of people and goods. Gaza has been isolated, in effect, since the Hamas takeover in June 2007, even during the ceasefire between Israeli forces and Hamas that was broadly respected from 19 June 2008 until 4 November 2008. Since June 2007, Israel has maintained the closure of all border crossings for the movement of people, with limited exceptions. Rafah International Crossing Point, the only border crossing via a country other than Israel, also remains closed since June 2007, with very limited openings. Since 4 November, Israel has also effectively closed all border crossings for commercial goods, and even for humanitarian supplies. While there have been some limited openings for humanitarian supplies since 17 November, the volume of supplies remains greatly reduced and insufficient to meet the needs of the local population. The Government agrees with those who say that the effective isolation of Gaza constitutes collective punishment and is illegal under international humanitarian law. The 1.5 million people in Gaza have been facing unsustainable conditions of daily life, which have been even more acute since 4 November. Ireland will continue to work with its EU partners to ensure that concerns about these matters are conveyed to the Israeli Government at every appropriate opportunity. At the same time, the Government unreservedly condemns the rocket attacks from Gaza on towns in southern Israel. Our clear message is for an immediate end to all violence.

As regards the call in the petition "for the immediate release of 38 elected Palestinian parliamentarians held in Israeli jails", it is understood that this refers to 37 members of the Palestinian Legislative Council who are imprisoned in Israel. A large majority — 33 parliamentarians — are members of Hamas, together with three members of Fatah and one member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. A number of the parliamentarians have been convicted by military courts in Israel of various crimes related to affiliation with, or membership of, a terrorist organisation, while others await trial and sentencing. I understand that some of the prisoners were elected as members of the Palestinian Legislative Council after their imprisonment. I would call for the release of all prisoners who have not been subject to due judicial process. In relation to the European Campaign to end the Siege on Gaza, I understand that it is an umbrella body of 31 non-governmental organisations in various European countries who advocate on behalf of Palestinians living in Gaza. One Irish NGO, the Palestinian Rights Foundation, is listed among its membership. The director of the campaign, Dr. Arafat Shoukri, is based in London, and works as an Executive Director of the Palestinian Return Centre.