Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South-Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

183. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on the Government's engagement at UN level to ensure peace endures in the conflict between India and Pakistan. [27398/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have been following with concern the tensions between India and Pakistan which resulted in military exchanges between the two countries in recent weeks.

I welcome the complete and immediate ceasefire that was announced on 10^th May and which has now been extended indefinitely. It is positive that communication channels have reopened between both countries and I very much hope that continued dialogue between the two nations will result in further de-escalation.

I reiterate my condemnation of the appalling terrorist attack that took place on Tuesday 22 April in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and the murder of innocent civilians. I also regret the civilian lives that have been lost as a result of the recent military actions.

Continued restraint and de-escalation remain the vital priorities at this point as well as encouraging clear lines of communication between the two states to put an end to current tensions.

Throughout the recent events, Ireland has worked closely with EU and international partners in urging restraint and supporting efforts to de-escalate the situation. UN Secretary General Guterres was to the forefront in calling for maximum military restraint from both countries, offering support for any initiative to promote de-escalation, diplomacy and a renewed commitment to peace. The Government fully supported the Secretary General's efforts in this regard.

The only direct involvement of the UN Security Council took place on 5 May when the Council met in closed consultations to discuss the situation. This meeting took place at the request of Pakistan which is currently serving as an elected member of the Council. It remains primarily for the members of the Security Council, given its responsibilities for the maintenance of international peace and security, to determine when the Council should intervene in matters of this nature.

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

186. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the new actions he will take against the state of Israel in light of the duty of the State to prevent genocide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27405/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Ireland’s approach to the appalling humanitarian situation facing the Palestinian people, particularly in Gaza, has been consistent in working to promote respect for international law, including international humanitarian law, and accountability for violations of that law across the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

The Genocide Convention prohibits genocide and obliges its contracting parties to prevent it. In this context, Ireland has been unequivocal in calling for the full implementation of the binding preliminary measures issued by the Court in South Africa’s case against Israel under that Convention and has promoted that message tirelessly with EU and international partners.

In addition, Ireland filed a declaration of intervention in that case last January. That declaration was based on a detailed legal analysis and is aimed at supporting and promoting the strictest interpretation of the Genocide Convention, in order to ensure the maximum level of protection possible for civilians and the highest standards of conduct by parties to an armed conflict. Subject to the Court’s ruling on the admissibility of Ireland’s declaration, Ireland will make substantive submissions on our interpretation of the Genocide Convention at the appropriate time.

More broadly, the Government has repeatedly called for a ceasefire in Gaza, for the release of all hostages and for the rapid admission and distribution of urgently required humanitarian assistance at scale.

The Deputy will also be aware that on Tuesday, it was announced that the EU will conduct a review of Israel’s human rights commitments under the EU-Israel Association Agreement. This reflects the will of a clear majority of Member States and is a direct result of unwavering efforts by Ireland to seek a meaningful interpretation of the Association Agreement, which is binding in respect of human rights. I welcome this decision, which Ireland and Spain first called for more than a year ago. It clearly reflects the grave concerns held by Member States regarding Israel’s conduct in the OPT and the alarming conditions imposed on the people of Gaza.