Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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579. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade given the recent transfer of jurisdiction for the Israeli civil administration in occupied Palestine away from military command, if he will now accept that de jure annexation of occupied Palestine by Israel is now happening; if he still believes de facto annexation is taking place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13986/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I am concerned by the recent decision of the Israeli authorities to transfer some administrative powers in the West Bank from military to civilian authorities. This is a worrying development which comes amid the context of increased settler violence and announcements regarding settlements.

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.

The continued establishment and expansion of settlements also violates international law. It is clear that settlements systematically erode the possibility of establishing a contiguous, independent, viable, and sovereign Palestinian State. As the occupying power, Israel has the obligation to respect international law and the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions.

Ireland has been consistently vocal in its opposition to settlement expansion and annexation. 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”. 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.

Ireland remains committed to supporting all efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting two-State solution, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States, on the basis of international law and agreed international parameters. We will continue to raise these issues proactively at EU level, in national and EU statements, at the UN Human Rights Council, the UN General Assembly, and in our bilateral contacts.