Anthony Lawlor (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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910. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on Israel's plans to forcibly relocate up to 7,000 Palestinian Bedouins from 46 communities in occupied Palestine, and in view of the assertion by the Secretary-General of the United Nations that, if implemented, these plans would represent a breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention, if his Department will call on the Israeli Government to halt its plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22258/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Ireland has consistently condemned the dispossession and eviction of Palestinian people in order to clear land for Israeli settlements. This is clearly contrary to international law. I have expressed these concerns in public statements, in contacts with the Israeli Embassy here, and directly to the Israeli Foreign Minister when I visited the area in February.

We have also consistently made this clear at EU level. The EU has consistently condemned these policies, most recently in the Conclusions of the Foreign Affairs Council in November 2014. I have urged the EU and the international community to take stronger action to oppose this policy.

The relocation plans relate to a number of communities, principally in the E1 area east of Jerusalem. This area has been a focus of international concern for some time. I note the UN Secretary General’s view that, should it proceed, this may amount to forcible transfer contrary to the Fourth Geneva Convention, and I share that assessment.

I repeat today my condemnation of these relocation plans, and I call for them to be set aside.