Gino Kenny (Dublin Mid West, People Before Profit Alliance)
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444. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps Ireland is taking in response to the Israeli defence forces and mounting violence in the West Bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54754/22]

Gino Kenny (Dublin Mid West, People Before Profit Alliance)
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454. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps that Ireland is taking in response to the Israeli defence forces and mounting violence in the West Bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54967/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 444 and 454 together.

I remain concerned by the deteriorating security situation in the West Bank. It is clear that the increase in violence and incursions by the Israel Defense Forces is contributing to an already fragile situation.

Ireland has engaged actively on this issue, including in the context of our tenure on the UN Security Council. At the most recent Security Council meeting on the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, on 28 October, Ireland expressed serious concern regarding excessive use of force by the Israeli security forces, calling for accountability in respect of all civilian deaths. Ireland also raised the sharp increase in coordinated and armed settler violence in the West Bank, calling on the Israeli authorities to act urgently to ensure that Palestinians in the West Bank are able to go about their daily lives without fear of violence and intimidation.

Recent events underscore the need to redouble our efforts to deliver a political horizon. I remain committed to working with partners to promote coherent and effective EU and UN action towards a lasting and peaceful two-State solution.