Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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404. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his recent trip to Israel and Palestine; the persons he met with; the issues raised; if he discussed the Sinn Féin motion that was passed by Dáil Éireann without opposition on 10 December 2014 calling on the Government to recognise the state of Palestine; and the reason he did not visit Gaza on his three day visit. [35610/17]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I visited Israel and Palestine on 10 - 13 July. This was not my first visit to the area, but it was my first as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, and in that capacity my first visit outside Europe, which I scheduled as soon as I took office.

In Israel I met Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Netanyahu, and other Israeli Ministers and leaders, and called on President Rivlin. In Palestine I met Prime Minister Hamdallah, Foreign Minister Malki and other leaders. I also met with the UN agencies UNRWA and OCHA, and made a field visit to the West Bank to see the operation of occupation policies on the ground. I also met with Israeli and Palestinian NGOs operating in the justice and human rights fields, which are supported by Ireland. I also met with others, including visiting US envoy Jason Greenblatt.

As my first visit in my current capacity, my discussions covered as wide a range as possible. Issues covered included the overall peace process, prospects for resumption of negotiations, including current United States activities, issues on the ground including settlements, restrictions on Palestinians, the current and long term situation in Gaza, and bilateral relations.I am mindful of the Dáil motion on Palestinian recognition in all my engagement on this issue. The question of recognition was raised with me by interlocutors on both sides. My approach will continue to be guided by what I believe can best contribute to progress in the peace process.

It was not possible to include all the elements I would have wished in a single visit, including a visit to Gaza. However I was both briefed on and raised the situation there myself.