Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I am deeply concerned by the violence witnessed in the West Bank. Since the attacks by Hamas on 7 October, and the subsequent conflict in Gaza, there has also been a sharp rise in terror attacks perpetrated by settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank. We have seen the displacement of Palestinian communities and reports of maltreatment of Palestinian detainees and prisoners. This is unacceptable. The protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure must be the priority everywhere.

I have consistently raised my concerns about such actions, which both infringe on the rights of Palestinians and actively undermine the prospect for the resumption of meaningful talks. Ireland is one of the leading voices raising this issue. I will continue to push for a halt to these actions, including through my conversations with EU counterparts and with regional partners, while actively supporting the resilience of Palestinians living under threat. Ireland has called on Israel to take genuine measures to protect the Palestinian population from terror attacks by settlers.

I have also raised the issue of demolition and confiscation of humanitarian aid and Palestinian property both with the Israeli Ambassador in Dublin and directly with his Israeli counterparts during visits to the region. Together with other donors, including EU member states, Irish diplomats based in Embassy Tel Aviv raise these issues with Israeli authorities.

At the Foreign Affairs Council on 11 December, I sought agreement to start work at EU level to implement on sanctions against violent settlers in the West Bank who are attacking and displacing Palestinian communities. I am very pleased that the EEAS has agreed to develop proposals for discussion. As I have clearly stated, settlements and violent settlers actively undermine prospects for a two-State solution and risks provoking further violence in the West Bank.