Written answers

Tuesday, 13 July 2021

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Middle East

Photo of Holly CairnsHolly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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387. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions he is taking in response to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian violence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38044/21]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As I have previously stated, the ceasefire which came into effect on 21 May is welcome and we must do all we can to support it. Tensions are still high in the region, and there remains a responsibility on all parties to ensure the ceasefire is respected. Responsibility also lies with the international community to support the ceasefire and to encourage the parties towards a return to political engagement. This is an effort to which I am committed.

EU Foreign Affairs Ministers met with the new Israeli Minister for Foreign Affairs, Yair Lapid on 12 July. During our discussion I underlined that all unilateral actions which can increase tension must be avoided and that settlement expansion and ongoing threats of evictions, demolitions and violence against Palestinians, all of which undermine prospects for peace, must be stopped. I called on Israel to do all it can to address the humanitarian situation and support reconstruction in Gaza.

Ireland remains firmly committed to a negotiated two-State solution based on international law, relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and agreed parameters.

I will continue to highlight this issue at the UN and through the EU and to support international efforts to ensuring the current ceasefire holds.

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