Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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87. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 72 of 7 March 2024, the details of his engagement to date both at bilateral level with his Israeli counterpart, and at EU level, with regard to the designation in October 2021, which remains in place, of six Palestinian human rights organisations as terrorist groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20841/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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In the context of the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, Ireland remains fully committed to supporting and funding civil society organisations and human rights defenders on the ground as a key part of our support for the Palestinian people.

As I previously stated, Ireland repeatedly expressed serious concern on the matter of the designation of six Palestinian NGOs as terrorist organisations by Israel in October 2021, including in bilateral contacts with Israel. This decision included organisations in receipt of support from Irish Aid and the EU. As previously stated, no substantial information was received from Israel to justify reviewing our policy towards the six NGOs.

As noted previously, we have made clear to Israel, as well as in discussions with EU partners, that no evidence has been provided to support these claims and that Ireland's support, including financial support, to Palestinian civil society organisations and human rights defenders will continue.

Joe Flaherty (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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88. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for a report on his recent visit to Egypt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20767/24]

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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102. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for a report on his recent visit to the Middle East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20904/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 88, 97 and 102 together.

I travelled to Egypt and Jordan from 23 – 25 April 2024 as part of the Government’s continued efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the wider Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Both Egypt and Jordan are at the forefront of regional and international efforts to halt the conflict in Gaza, address the dire humanitarian situation and resume progress towards a meaningful political pathway.

My meetings with the Egyptian and Jordanian Foreign Ministers, as well as with King Abdullah of Jordan, focused on our collective efforts to bring about an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza. We discussed how Ireland can support regional efforts to return to a political pathway towards a sustainable and peaceful resolution of this conflict and a two-state solution, including through building support for the Arab Peace Plan with European partners, advocating for full membership of the United Nations for Palestine, and encouraging a collective decision by a number of European partners to recognise the State of Palestine.

I travelled to the Rafah crossing at the border of Egypt and the Gaza Strip, where I met with representatives of humanitarian partners, including UN OCHA, UNRWA and the Egyptian Red Crescent, and witnessed first-hand the unacceptable restrictions Israel imposes which impede a comprehensive humanitarian response in Gaza.

My engagement on the ground with UNRWA, both in respect of Gaza and during my visit to the Al Talbieh camp in Jordan, made clear its irreplaceable and indispensable role, not only for the humanitarian response in Gaza, but in ensuring regional stability by providing for the human and economic development of almost 6 million Palestinian refugees across the region.