Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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91. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on engagements and the current ongoing talks to ensure a ceasefire, and that unhindered humanitarian assistance is provided for the people of Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29782/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I have been engaging intensively with EU Member States, partners in the region, the United States and other partners since the beginning of this crisis in Israel and Palestine. During all of these engagements I have conveyed the same message: there is an urgent need for a sustainable humanitarian ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages, and full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access, with a significant and sustained scale-up of humanitarian supplies into Gaza. All of Ireland’s diplomatic efforts are focused on these core needs.

At the Foreign Affairs Council on 24 June, I reiterated Ireland’s core objectives. We can be sure that there exists a clear understanding of the perspective of Ireland and like-minded Member States across the EU system, and that the EU’s policy priorities similarly include an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and full, safe and unhindered humanitarian assistance delivered at scale, in line with Ireland’s views. At the European Council on 27 June, Council Conclusions were negotiated and agreed, with Ireland’s core objectives as central elements.

Furthermore, following ongoing advocacy by Ireland for the EU to use all the levers at its disposal, there is now agreement for additional sanctions against violent Israeli settlers in the West Bank and a meeting of the EU-Israel Association Council to review Israel’s compliance with its human rights obligations. It is significant also that the EU is now reinforcing its cooperation with Arab partners on the basis of the Vision for Peace, which was presented by them to EU Ministers in May and I have been vocal in my support of.

It is also important that our efforts aimed at addressing the immediate crisis also lay the foundation for a pathway towards a sustainable peace in the long term. Ireland’s focus in this regard is on seeking to find a way to change the reality on the ground and to protect and encourage a peace process that can deliver a two-State solution.