Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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158. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware of the death of a child abroad (details supplied); if he knows that in the first three months of 2023, 17 Palestinian children have been shot dead by Israeli forces, noting that under international law, intentional lethal force is only justified in circumstances where a direct threat to life or serious injury is present; if he will publicly condemn these killings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23103/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of the incident referred to by the Deputy and extend my condolences to the family. As I noted in my statement on 9 May, the killing of civilians, including children, is never acceptable. These acts risk escalating an already tense situation and leading to further violence. I call on the parties to de-escalate and refrain from provocative acts.

Ireland has repeatedly expressed concern regarding the high level of 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.

Ireland has been clear that the protection of civilians must be paramount. We have consistently raised concerns regarding the pervasive culture of impunity for 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.

Further to my direct contacts with my counterparts, Irish officials continue to engage in regular dialogue with the Israeli and Palestinian authorities on matters of concern, including in relation to the protection of civilians, as well as raising these issues at EU and UN level.