Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

102. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will take an initiative at EU or UN level to ensure that Israel will be held accountable for the apartheid regime it is perpetuating which deprives millions of Palestinians of their civil and political rights (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58377/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am aware that this issue has been raised in a number of reports from UN Rapporteurs and from civil society organisations, of which I have taken careful note.

Ireland’s focus is on seeking to change the reality on the ground and to encourage a process that can deliver a two-State solution, which is the Government's priority.

I have been forthright in expressing concern regarding the unequal treatment of Palestinians in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. Ireland will continue to raise concerns regarding discriminatory practices towards the Palestinian people on a regular basis directly with the Israeli authorities, including during visits to the region, as well as at EU and UN level.

At the most recent monthly meeting of the UN Security Council on the Middle East on 28 October, Ireland expressed concern regarding the deteriorating security situation in the occupied West Bank and called for accountability in respect of all civilian deaths, and in particular, an independent investigation into the killing of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. Throughout its term on the UN Security Council, Ireland has also raised the issues of illegal settlement expansion and settler violence, calling again on Israel to cease all settlement activity.

It is also important that the international community supports Palestinian efforts in seeking legal responses to the occupation.

In this regard, Ireland supported a recent UN Resolution, which includes a request by the UN General Assembly for an advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on issues arising from Israel’s continuing occupation of Palestinian territory.

Ireland was one of seven EU Member States supporting this Resolution and regularly coordinates with these, and other like-minded EU partners, on actions at international level that can contribute to supporting the two-state solution and addressing discrimination and violence.