Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 344: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the blockade of humanitarian supplies to the Palestinian inhabitants of the Gaza Strip by the Israeli Government; the action the he proposes to take as part of the EU, in view of the fact that some 80% of those living in the Gaza Strip depend on these supplies to live; if his attention has been drawn to the calls by the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and EU External Affairs Commissioner Beneta Ferrero-Waldner for the immediate reopening of the commercial crossings into Gaza; and his views of such a proposal. [46609/08]

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 346: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on recent hostilities between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants; his views in particular on comments attributed to Israel's Minister for Foreign Affairs to the effect that the truce in the area is over; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46612/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 344 and 346 together.

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. Since then there have been a number of clear breaches on both sides.

The Government has consistently and repeatedly 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. The Government agree with those who state that the effective isolation of Gaza constitutes collective punishment and is illegal under international humanitarian law. Ireland will continue to work with EU partners to ensure that our concerns about the situation in Gaza are conveyed to the Israeli Government at every appropriate opportunity.

Since 4 November, Israel has effectively closed all border crossings for commercial goods, and even for humanitarian supplies. I understand, however, that the situation has improved somewhat in recent days and that Israel has allowed more vital supplies, including fuel, to be delivered to the people of Gaza. This is a welcome development but the population of 1.5 million people continue to face virtually unsustainable conditions.

While expressing our humanitarian concerns about Gaza, the Government unreservedly condemn the recent renewal of rocket attacks from Gaza on towns in southern Israel. An immediate end to all violence is essential. In this regard, it is vitally important that both sides re-instate and renew the ceasefire originally agreed last June and which will formally expire on 19 December. Ireland will continue to support Egyptian efforts to restore the truce.

I raised the situation in Gaza with EU partners at both the meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council in Brussels on 8 December and a Foreign Ministers' discussion which took place en marge of the European Council on 11-12 December. Ireland was instrumental in ensuring that the Council Conclusions adopted on 8 December call for the humanitarian situation in Gaza to be addressed with all urgency, as well as stating 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. The European Council, in its Conclusions of 12 December, also reiterated that the Middle East Peace Process and efforts to achieve a viable two-State solution must be a priority for the international community in 2009.

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.