Chris Andrews (Dublin Bay South, Sinn Fein)
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330. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the recent scenes of violence by Israeli forces in east Jerusalem, which has included the forceful eviction of peaceful Muslim worshippers from Al-Aqsa Mosque. [48048/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I am very concerned by the escalation in tensions in Jerusalem in recent days, particularly at the Al Aqsa compound.

These events did not happen in isolation; they are part of a broader cycle of violence in the West Bank. Ireland expressed concern regarding this increase in violence in a statement to the United Nations Security Council on 28 September, and reiterated that the protection of civilians is of paramount importance and is required under international law

I call on all sides to exercise maximum restraint and continue to engage in de-escalatory efforts. Israel, as the occupying power, must ensure that its security forces exercise the utmost care to preserve civilian life and avoid casualties.

Ireland has also repeatedly supported calls for the upholding of the status quo put in place at the Al Aqsa compound in 1967. This status quo must be respected and freedom of worship guaranteed.