Gino Kenny (Dublin Mid West, People Before Profit Alliance)
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110. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has received reports on the use of dual use drones against unarmed civilians on the Gaza-Israeli border; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20433/18]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I have made clear both in the Dáil and in public statements my serious concerns about the use of live fire by Israeli forces against demonstrators in Gaza in recent weeks, including yesterday, and the large number of casualties which have resulted. The use of force, and particularly deadly force, must only be used as a last resort and should be proportionate to a real and immediate threat.

I am aware also of reports that drones may also have dropped tear gas on some groups of demonstrators near the border fence. Tear gas should not, of course, be used against those who may be protesting legitimately and peacefully. However, my deepest concerns relate to the use of live ammunition, and the mass casualties which have resulted.