Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 305: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the humanitarian catastrophe taking place in Gaza; if he has made proposals at EU and UN level in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45038/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Government remain seriously concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, which has effectively been isolated since the Hamas takeover in June 2007, even during a ceasefire between Israeli forces and Hamas which was broadly respected from 19 June 2008 until 4 November 2008. The Government have consistently called for an end to the isolation of the people of Gaza, in particular through the re-opening of crossing points for the movement of people and goods.

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 only 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 agree with those who state that the effective isolation of Gaza constitutes collective punishment and is illegal under international humanitarian law. The population of 1.5 million have been facing unsustainable conditions of daily life, which have been even more acute since 4 November.

Ireland will continue to work with EU partners to ensure that our concerns about these matters are conveyed to the Israeli Government at every appropriate opportunity. I was active in raising the humanitarian situation in Gaza at the General Affairs and External Relations Council in Brussels yesterday. The Conclusions adopted by the Council make clear that the humanitarian situation should be addressed with all urgency, that crossings should be opened for the supply of goods and services and that the ability of the UN Works and Relief Agency (UNWRA) to deliver humanitarian assistance should be assured.

Ireland also raised the situation in Gaza during the Universal Periodic Review of Israel at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on 4 December, calling on Israel to respect its obligations under international human rights instruments and international humanitarian law.

While expressing our humanitarian concerns about Gaza, the Government unreservedly condemn the recent renewal of rocket attacks from Gaza on towns in southern Israel. Our clear message is for an immediate end to all violence. We support the efforts being made through Egyptian facilitation to re-establish the ceasefire in Gaza, and renew it beyond the envisaged expiry date of 18 December.

Finally, I support and commend efforts being made by Egypt, on behalf of the Arab League, to advance reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas. Success in these discussions is greatly in the interests of the Palestinian people, and can only help to underpin efforts to secure a lasting peace.