Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein)
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360. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when his last engagement with the Palestinian government was; and the content of that meeting. [4291/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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At the Foreign Affairs Council on 23 January, I along with my EU counterparts had an engagement with the Palestinian Prime Minister, Mohammad Shtayyeh, and Foreign Minister, Riad Malki. This was a welcome and timely engagement, particularly in light of concerning recent developments in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.

We discussed a range of issues, including the deteriorating situation on the ground, Israeli settlement activity, demolitions and evictions, including with regard to Masafer Yatta, and the internal Palestinian political situation. Our discussion focused on what we can do to increase the prospects of a two-State solution.

The EU and other international actors have a vital role to play at this time. It is important that we offer credible support to the Palestinian Authority.

I also discussed these issues with Minister Malki when we spoke by telephone on 18 January.