Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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128. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action the Irish Government or the European Union intends to take to force Israel to cease the increase in civilian deaths in Palestine, particularly those of children, in recent weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37692/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I refer the Deputy to my reply to Priority Question 101 today on the same topic, which was as follows:

The clearly deteriorating situation in Palestine, in East Jerusalem and now spreading to other areas, is a matter of very great concern. The main factors are the operation of policies on the ground intended to push Palestinians out of Jerusalem in favour of settlers, the absence of any political process or perspective which might promise an end to this situation, and among Palestinians the consequent loss of authority by political leaders and belief in a political path. Tensions have been increased in recent months by a reckless and provocative challenge by minority elements in Israel to the long respected status quo of the holy places in Jerusalem.

To these now have been added a genuine alarm and fear among Israeli citizens caused by a number of sudden attacks, resulting in pressure for a tougher response by the authorities. The risk of an escalating spiral of violence is very obvious.

In common with others, I deplore any resort to violent attacks on civilians, be they prompted by despair or revenge. Any response by the security forces needs to be proportionate. It is the job of local leaders, on all sides, to go beyond this, and beyond a mere security response, and to address the underlying issues. I again urge all sides to refrain from any provocative actions, and call on Israel to make clear – in practice as well as words – that the status quo on the Temple Mount or Haram al Sharif will be restored and respected. I note that President Abbas and Prime Minister Netanyahu have already taken some steps in this direction, and I encourage them to continue.

More broadly, these events underline the message I have conveyed at international level since I took office. Political leadership, including from the international community, needs to address the problems of the relentless expansion of settlements and the absence of any process aiming at the end of the occupation.