Written answers
Thursday, 16 November 2023
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Middle East
Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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77. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has issued a condemnation of Israel in respect of its recent military assault in Gaza broadly and, specifically, in respect of: the targeting and killing of thousands of civilians, including children; the targeting and bombing of civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, schools and mosques; the mass forced displacement of civilians; and the denial of water, food, fuel and other essential supplies to the civilian population. [50508/23]
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I have been clear from the start that any response by Israel to the brutal attacks of 7 October must comply fully with International Humanitarian Law. This means that the response must comply with the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution.
I issued statements on 9, 15, 18 of October and 1 November, expressing my deep concern at the situation in Gaza and underlining the need for respect for international humanitarian law.
On 24 October, Ireland made a statement at the United Nations Security Council open debate on the current crisis. We called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and welcomed the initial supply of aid noting that far more was needed. Essential goods including fuel, food, water, medical and energy supplies must urgently be restored. We urgently need an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, and a significant scaling up of humanitarian access and supplies to get vital aid to civilians.
All potential violations of International Humanitarian Law should be investigated. On November 12, I issued a further statement on the investigation by the International Criminal Court into the situation in Palestine. The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Karim Khan has confirmed that the ICC has jurisdiction in relation to atrocity crimes committed in the occupied Palestinian territory.
Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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78. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his efforts to build a consensus at EU level to call for ceasefires in the Middle East, and if these efforts included: challenging the presidents of the European Commission and the European Parliament for their provocative visit to Israel, in which they appeared to give unequivocal support to Israeli actions; meeting his counterparts from states that have yet to call for a ceasefire in order to encourage them to do so and striving to include the demand for a ceasefire in any joint communique issued by EU states and/or the European Council. [50509/23]
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.
Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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79. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his actions in response to the positing on X, formerly known as Twitter, by the Deputy Head of Mission at the Israeli embassy in Dublin, which alleged that Ireland funded Hamas tunnels in Gaza [50510/23]
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has regular contact with the Israeli Embassy in Dublin on a range of issues. The Department raises issues of concern directly with the Embassy where appropriate.
In relation to the comments made by an Israeli Embassy official on social media, I understand that they were deleted and a clarification was issued by the Embassy noting that the comments did not represent the position of the Embassy or the Government of Israel.
It is essential that we maintain open channels of communication through Embassies and Ambassadors during times of conflict.
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