Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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19. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade what engagement he has had at EU level with a view to securing a ceasefire in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50121/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I have had regular engagements with my EU counterparts since the beginning of the current crisis in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.

Immediately following attack by Hamas, I attended an extraordinary Foreign Affairs Council on 10 October, alongside my EU counterparts and the EU High Representative, Josep Borrell, to discuss the ongoing violence on the ground in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. I underlined the importance of principled and collective action by the EU and its Member States and the need for the EU to act for the protection of civilians and adherence to international law.

At the Foreign Affairs Council meeting on 23 October, I insisted that any review of the European Union's development cooperation funding should take place rapidly and in coordination with Member States. I welcomed the confirmation that EU humanitarian aid to Palestinians will continue uninterrupted, and for as long as needed. On 1 November, I spoke bilaterally to the EU High Representative and discussed the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza.

I attended the Foreign Affairs Council meeting on 13 November and expressed my serious concerns about the situation in Gaza. I again underlined the urgent need for a humanitarian ceasefire to allow for the establishment of humanitarian corridors.

I have recently held bilateral meetings with several of my EU counterparts including Finland, Spain, Sweden and Italy. Ireland continues to advocate for a clear position from the EU, which emphasises the protection of civilians, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and the need for a humanitarian ceasefire.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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In recent weeks I have spoken with a number of Foreign Ministers of member countries of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the League of Arab States, to discuss the ongoing crisis in Gaza. These have included the Palestinian Foreign Minister, as well as the Foreign Ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Turkiye and Qatar.

Later this week I intend to visit the region, and hope to meet personally with Foreign Minister Shoukry of Egypt and Secretary General Aboul Gheit of the League of Arab States, amongst others.