Gino Kenny (Dublin Mid West, People Before Profit Alliance)
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133. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the engagements he has had at EU or UN level regarding a Palestinian driver who was reportedly pepper sprayed and shot by the Israeli defence forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4449/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of the incident referred to by the Deputy, which is deeply alarming, and extend my condolences to the family.  I have not yet had the opportunity to raise this specific case at EU or UN level. Events such as this incident and the appalling developments in Jenin last week have served as a stark reminder of the need to break this continuing cycle of violence. 

Ireland has repeatedly expressed concern regarding the increasingly high levels of Palestinian civilian casualties in the occupied West Bank. It is deeply concerning that 2022 saw the highest number of civilian casualties since the UN began systematically recording fatalities in 2005.

Ireland has been clear that the protection of civilians must be paramount. We have consistently raised concerns regarding the pervasive culture of impunity for incidents of possible excessive use of force or for potentially unlawful killings, by Israeli security forces. Ireland has called for accountability in respect of all civilian deaths, stressing that this is the cornerstone of a political horizon and a meaningful peace process.

Furthermore, Irish officials are in continuous dialogue with our European partners on these matters, including via our Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels.

I discussed this issue in a phone call with Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Malki on 18 January, during which he shared his deep concern at the deteriorating situation. I also welcome that the Foreign Affairs Council on 23 January provided an opportunity for both Prime Minister Shtayyeh and Foreign Minister Malki to raise these troubling developments with the EU collectively.

Ireland stands ready to support all efforts to achieve a just and lasting two-State solution based on international law and internationally agreed parameters. This represents the only sustainable prospect that will enable Palestinians and Israelis to live in peace.