Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

7. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware that the United States recently approved the sale of $20 billion in fighter jets and other military equipment to Israel; if he will call upon the US President to cancel supply of this deadly weaponry to Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40658/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The United States has a key role to play in the Middle East, with regard to security in the region as a whole and as regards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the situation in Gaza.

President Biden, Secretary Blinken and the US administration are working hard to achieve a ceasefire and to bring about a diplomatic solution. This is the only path to ensuring lasting security between Israel and Lebanon. I also welcome and support the ongoing efforts of the US, Egypt and Qatar to conclude a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza. It is long past time that such a deal is concluded. The violence must stop and there must be a dramatic scaling up of humanitarian assistance entering Gaza.

It is vital that all parties in the region demonstrate the political will to return to diplomatic and political pathways to end this cycle of violence. This includes Iran and its proxies, but it also includes Israel. In this regard, it is my strong view that all partners with influence, including the European Union and the US, need to use their leverage more effectively with all actors, including Israel to positively influence the situation on the ground.

We have seen credible reports by a number of internationally mandated institutions, bodies and representatives that serious violations of International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law are taking place throughout the occupied Palestinian territories, including Gaza.

In these circumstances, it is incumbent on all States to assess whether their relations with Israel are consistent with their obligations under international law. The implications of the Advisory Opinion issued by the International Court of Justice in July (on the legal consequences arising from the policies and practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory) must also be assessed by States.

These are points that I will continue to make to all counterparts, including the United States.