Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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70. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade how he will implement the Programme for Government commitment to respond to the annexation of occupied Palestine by Israel. [4381/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The annexation by Israel of any part of the occupied Palestinian territory would be a clear violation of international law. It would have no legitimacy, and would not be recognised or accepted by Ireland, or by the international community more generally, and would be deeply damaging to the two-State solution. I am concerned by the statements of some Israeli officials regarding formal annexation of areas within the occupied Palestinian territory. 

The Programme for Government clearly states that the Government would regard any such moves as “a breach of international law and would consider an appropriate response to them at both national and international level”.

Ireland has been consistently vocal in its opposition to settlement expansion and annexation. In June 2021, the Government supported a Dáil motion that reflected our grave concern about the scale and character of settlements and their negative impact. We will continue to proactively raise these issues at EU level, in national and EU statements, at the UN Human Rights Council, the UN General Assembly, and in our bilateral contacts.

The situation in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory is a priority matter of our foreign policy. In my recent interactions with Prime Minister Shtayyeh and Foreign Minister Malki, I expressed my concern at the situation on the ground and the recent statements by some members of the Israeli government.

In Ireland’s statement on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question in the UN Security Council on 19 December, Ireland reiterated the message that Israel must halt settlement activity, which is in flagrant violation of international law and which is an impediment to achieving a just and lasting peace based on a two-State solution, based on the agreed international parameters and with Jerusalem as the capital of both states.

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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75. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if a report (details supplied) has been drawn to his attention; his response to the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4435/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of the report published by Amnesty International last year, entitled “Israel’s Apartheid Against Palestinians: Cruel System of Domination and Crime Against Humanity” (February 2022)

I note also that the issues outlined in this report have also been raised in a number of other reports from UN Rapporteurs and from civil society organisations.

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, and at EU and UN level. Ireland was particularly proactive in raising this issue at the UN Security Council during our tenure.

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

In this context, 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. We regularly coordinate 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.

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.