Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I am deeply concerned at the high level of civilian casualties in the occupied Palestinian territory. Last year was the deadliest year for Palestinians living in the West Bank since the UN began recording fatalities in 2005. This negative trend has continued into 2023.

Israel, as an occupying power, has an obligation under international law to protect civilians in the occupied Palestinian territory. It must adhere to international law.

I have written to Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, noting increased levels of civilian casualties and reiterating Ireland’s commitment to a just and sustainable peace on the basis of a two-State solution. I look forward to having the chance to speak with Minister Cohen on a range of issues in due course.

I discussed the security situation in the West Bank in a phone call with the 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.

Further to my direct contacts with my Israeli and Palestinian counterparts, Irish officials continue to engage in regular dialogue with the Israeli and Palestinian authorities on matters of mutual concern, including in relation to the protection of civilians. I also have regular engagement with international partners on this issue, including in my meeting with Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ayman Safadi, at the Munich Security Conference in February, and my meeting the Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, on 15 March.

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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88. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide details of his bilateral engagement to-date in 2023 with his Israeli counterpart with regard to the ongoing demolition and seizure of Palestinian property in the Occupied Palestinian Territories; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13635/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I have written to Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, reiterating Ireland’s unwavering commitment to supporting a just and sustainable peace on the basis of a two-State solution. I look forward to having the chance to speak with Minister Cohen on a range of issues in due course, including in relation to our concerns on demolitions and the seizure of Palestinian property.

I have been consistently forthright in voicing my opposition to Israeli settlement activity, including demolitions and the seizure of Palestinian property, in the occupied West Bank. These actions are a clear violation of international law and stand in the way of a just, lasting and comprehensive peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

Ireland has been proactive in ensuring that these issues are highlighted in international fora, including during our recent tenure on the United Nations Security Council. Ireland has repeatedly urged Israel not to proceed with planned demolitions and to cease all settlement activities.

Ireland’s Embassy in Tel Aviv also raises these matters in its regular contacts with the Israeli authorities. Ireland's Representative Office in Ramallah has made a number of visits along with EU colleagues to sites of concern in the West Bank.

Ireland is part of a group of EU Member States that are pursuing compensation for humanitarian structures, funded by donors such as Ireland, through the West Bank Protection Consortium.

The Consortium has sought compensation of over €1,170,000 in respect of confiscated or demolished assets since 2015. Ireland provided €300,000 in funding to the Consortium in 2022, underling our commitment to reducing the vulnerability of Palestinian communities living in Area C of the West Bank.