Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South-Central, Sinn Fein)
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229. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on his engagements with his counterparts in the EU in relation to the bombing of a humanitarian aid ship off the coast of Malta, which was due to sail to Gaza [27397/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I am concerned by reports that a humanitarian aid ship was reportedly hit by a drone in international waters off the coast of Malta earlier this month. My officials in our Embassy in Malta are aware of these reports and understand that no Irish citizens were on board the vessel at the time of the alleged incident.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is worsening daily. The entire population is facing high levels of food insecurity. More than 20% face starvation after 18 months of fighting, and almost 80 days of the Israeli blockade on vital, life-saving, humanitarian aid.

The immediate focus of the international community must be on efforts to ensure an immediate ceasefire, the release of all remaining hostages, and a surge in vital humanitarian aid into and throughout Gaza.

In the current context, the situation in Israel and Palestine remains a standing agenda item on the Foreign Affairs Council each month. This enables me to exchange with EU counterparts on this key priority on a monthly basis. Ireland’s engagement at EU level is guided by our long-standing and principled position, notably respect for international law, respect for the equal right to self-determination, peace, security and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians alike and, as the Deputy will be aware, unwavering support for the two-State solution.

In response to concerns regarding the situation in Gaza, on 21 May the EU Foreign Affairs Council agreed to a review of Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.