Written answers

Thursday, 26 November 2020

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Middle East

Photo of Aengus Ó SnodaighAengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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28. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress in relation to suspending Israel from the EU-Med and EU neighbourhood agreements, given its continuous flagrant breaches of the human rights of the Palestinian people and specifically its recent settlement programmes on Palestinian land. [38405/20]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Government is opposed to any move to suspend Israel from the EU-Mediterranean Association Agreement and EU Neighbourhood Agreement. Such suspensions would not serve the interests of any of the parties and, in any case, would require consensus within the European Union.

A proposal to suspend or review the terms of the agreement would result in a divisive debate which would divert attention from the need to restore momentum to the peace process. It could also result in further difficulties in ensuring the delivery of assistance to the Palestinian people.

Ireland's position on settlement expansion, related infrastructure development, the demolition of Palestinian homes and other buildings, and the forced removal of Palestinians from their homes, is extremely clear. Settlements are illegal under international law, and all actions which compromise the viability of a future Palestinian state are very damaging.

The announcement on 15 November of the opening of tenders for settlement construction in the strategic area of Givat Hamatos in East Jerusalem is of grave concern. As I underlined in my statement on 16 November, this action by the Israeli authorities actively undermines the prospects for a two-state solution. Ireland has consistently and strongly opposed settlements, and Ireland’s Representative in Ramallah visited the site on 16 November along with other European diplomats. Senior officials in my Department met with the Ambassador of Israel to Ireland on 17 November to underline Ireland’s serious concerns at this decision.

Ireland regularly conveys our views on these actions to the Israeli authorities, both directly and through the EU. Ireland and the EU stand by the internationally agreed parameters for a negotiated peace agreement and continue to urge the Israeli Government to uphold its international legal obligations, including under the Fourth Geneva Convention on the treatment of a civilian population, and under international human rights law.

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