Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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113. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the efforts made by Ireland to assist in the implementation of a ceasefire in the Middle East and efforts towards a permanent resolution to the conflict. [33810/21]

Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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121. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which Ireland is using its position on the United Nations Security Council to bring about progress in dealing with the conflict in Gaza and the occupied territories; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33758/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 113 and 121 together.

Ireland has been fully engaged on the situation in the Middle East at the UN Security Council. The Security Council met five times on the escalation of the conflict in the month of May. On 16 May I addressed the Council and called for the cessation of hostilities, protection of civilians and humanitarian access, and emphasised the obligations that all sides have under international humanitarian law. I called on the UN Security Council to speak with one voice in clearly demanding an immediate end to violence. I welcomed the 21 May ceasefire and the UN Security Council press statement on the matter of 22 May. 

I discussed the conflict with the Israeli Ambassador on 11 May, in particular on the issue of compliance with international humanitarian law. 

During the escalation I was in contact with my counterparts across the Middle East region to support efforts to bring an end to the cycle of violence and to move to political engagement.  I want to acknowledge in particular the role played by Egypt in brokering a ceasefire. I discussed the situation with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Secretary of State Tony Blinken in Shannon on 24 May.  I had further discussions on the Middle East Peace Process with the Foreign Ministers of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates during my visit to the Gulf on 15 -17 June.

I joined EU Foreign Affairs Ministers at an extraordinary meeting on the conflict on 18 May where there was a clear call for an immediate ceasefire. At the recent meeting of EU Foreign Affairs Ministers on 21 June, I underlined support for EU engagement in a reinvigorated role for the Middle East Quartet and for the role of the EU's Special Representative on the Middle East Peace Process.  

I have stressed that the immediate focus must be on getting vital humanitarian assistance to those who need it. Ireland has stepped up in this respect; on 19 May I announced an additional €1.5m in emergency support to UNRWA and UNICEF in response to emergency appeals.  

The events of the past month have not happened in isolation. They are taking place in the context of unabated settlement expansion and ongoing threats of evictions and violence against Palestinians. Ireland remains firmly committed to a negotiated Two-State solution based on international law, relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions and agreed parameters. I support the role of the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process in this regard. Ireland will participate in consultations with Mr Wennesland along with other UN Security Council Members later today.