Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

464. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will make urgent representations to the Israeli embassy and government requesting them to reverse the demolition orders issued by the Israeli Government for all 42 homes and businesses in the village of Khan al-Ahmar in the West Bank. [10078/17]

Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

465. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will send Irish diplomats, along with other heads of missions, to the village of Khan al-Ahmar in the West Bank as a public sign of support to the community there following the issuing of demolition orders by the Israeli Government for all 42 homes and businesses in the village. [10079/17]

Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

470. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will make immediate representations to the Israeli embassy and Government to reverse the demolition orders on the village of Khan al-Ahmar in the occupied West Bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10284/17]

Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

471. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will instruct Irish diplomats to visit Khan al-Ahmar in Palestine with other heads of missions as a public sign of support to the community urgently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10285/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 464, 465, 470 and 471 together.

The Bedouin community of Khan al Ahmar has been under demolition orders for some years, although there has also been an injunction on execution of these orders. The issuing of 42 new Stop Work orders, and military activity in the area, has given rise to fears that a mass eviction and demolition action against the village was being planned.

There has been a strong international response to this threat, in which Ireland has taken an active part.

In October 2016 the Irish and other EU Heads of Mission in Palestine visited Khan al Ahmar to demonstrate support, and show that the actions of the authorities there were being scrutinized.

In response to the recent increased threat, there have been strong statements on the case from the relevant UN agencies on the ground, and from the EU representative.

The Irish Ambassador in Israel has made a demarche at a senior level in the Israeli Foreign Ministry, drawing attention to the threats and expressing the strong concerns of the Government in relation to the threats of demolitions, contrary to international law.

The Irish Representative in Ramallah will be joining other EU Heads of Mission in a further visit to the community in the next few days.

The most recent reports suggest that the threat of demolition may not be as imminent as was feared. The prompt attention to the case may have helped in this regard. Ireland’s missions in the area will keep this case under close observation.