Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 55 together.

I met with the Israeli Ambassador to Ireland last month to raise my grave concerns about the ongoing conflict in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. I stressed the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages, and a dramatic increase in humanitarian access. I emphasised that an Israeli military escalation in Rafah, where almost 1.5 million people are sheltering in desperate conditions, would be catastrophic.

The legal position is clear – under international humanitarian law Israel must protect civilians in Gaza and ensure that the essential needs of the population there are met. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is man-made and is completely unacceptable. I emphasised that UNRWA is the backbone of the humanitarian response and must not be undermined in their operations.

Diplomacy is not always, or only, about friendly relations, and nor is it an endorsement of the policies of another country. It is at times of conflict and tension that diplomacy is most useful, and it is vital to maintain communication links.

Officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs remain in ongoing contact with the Israeli Ambassador here in Dublin and our Ambassador in Tel Aviv is engaging constantly with all parts of the Israeli Government and administration on a range of issues while consistently relaying our concerns.