Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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94. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to raise the findings of a report (details supplied) which stated that the ongoing treatment of Palestinians in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories amounts to apartheid at the next meeting of the UN Security Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24212/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the report referred to in the details supplied, which my officials are reviewing.

I have been forthright in expressing my concerns regarding the Israeli occupation of Palestine. Ireland’s position on this issue is, and will continue to be, based on international law, Israel’s obligations as the occupying Power under the Fourth Geneva Convention, and on the relevant Resolutions of the UN Security Council. Ireland has made this position clear at the Security Council, where the issue is discussed each month.

Our approach is rooted in the illegality of Israel’s occupation and the right of Palestinians to self-determination. The restrictions that are imposed on Palestinians undermine the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, a right which is at the heart of the Two-State solution. Ireland also continues to raise a range of human rights issues directly with the Israeli authorities and in multilateral fora, including the Human Rights Council.

Ireland and the EU will continue to monitor developments on the ground. We remain committed to a two-State solution, and will continue to work with partners to revive a political process in line with international law, which ensures equal rights and is acceptable to both parties.