Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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189. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the State recognises Hamas as a terrorist organisation; his views on whether this group should be removed from any position of power in Gaza; his further views on whether it would be satisfactory for that organisation to be in any position of authority in any future independent Palestinian State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18525/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Hamas is listed by the European Union as a terrorist organisation, unanimously agreed by all Member States. Ireland has repeatedly condemned Hamas and its terrorist attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, and has consistently called for the unconditional release of all hostages held in Gaza.

I attended the first EU-Palestine High Level Dialogue in Luxembourg on 14 April. The Dialogue provided an opportunity for the EU to signal the importance that the EU and its Member States attach to the relationship with Palestine. It was also an opportunity to express support for the Palestinian Authority.

In my intervention, I was clear that Ireland rejects any attempt at demographic or territorial changes in the Gaza Strip. I stressed the importance of unifying the Gaza Strip with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority. I also underlined the need for governance and security arrangements for Gaza and stated clearly that there can be no role for Hamas in these arrangements.

Ireland remains convinced that the implementation of the two-State solution is the only way to establish lasting peace and security for both Israel and Palestine, and the wider region.