Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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6. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on whether the attacks by Hamas on civilians in Israel on October 2023 constituted a genocide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52316/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Government has repeatedly and unequivocally condemned Hamas and its heinous and horrific terrorist attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, in which over 1,200 people were killed. The deliberate and systematic targeting of civilians can never be justified. The taking and holding of hostages, including young children, is reprehensible and unconscionable. We continue to call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas.

Hamas is a despicable and illegal terrorist organisation, which offers nothing to the Palestinian people but death and suffering.

The Government has at all times been clear that there must be accountability for all violations of international law, including violations committed by Hamas. All parties to armed conflict – states and non-states alike – have obligations under international law. Any actions contrary to these obligations are completely unacceptable and must be utterly rejected and condemned.

Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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7. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to elaborate on his recent statement that an independent Palestinian State should not involve Hamas; the way in which he envisages Hamas being removed from power in Gaza in order to bring about this outcome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52317/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Ireland’s position in relation to Hamas is clear. Ireland has repeatedly condemned Hamas and the brutal terrorist attacks it carried out on 7 October 2023. These actions are unconscionable. Ireland has consistently called for all hostages held by Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza to be immediately and unconditionally released and we will continue to do so. The deliberate and systematic targeting of civilians can never be justified.

Hamas is a terrorist organisation which offers the people of Gaza no future. Hamas is listed by the European Union as a terrorist organisation, unanimously agreed by all Member States. Ireland has supported additional sanctions and restrictive measures against Hamas at EU level.

The New York Declaration, the outcome document of the International Conference on the Implementation of the Two-State Solution held in New York in July, states clearly that "In the context of ending the war in Gaza, Hamas must end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority, with international engagement and support, in line with the objective of a sovereign and independent Palestinian State." The New York Declaration was endorsed by 142 UN member states in a vote at the UN General Assembly on 12 September, including Ireland which was a Co-Chair of one of the International Conference Working Groups.

Ireland is actively working with the EU and other partners in the region and beyond to create an enabling environment for a revitalised Palestinian Authority. This includes regular discussions on democratic and political renewal. I was pleased to attend the first ever EU-Palestine High Level Dialogue in Luxembourg in April. The Dialogue provided an opportunity for the EU to engage directly with Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa. At the meeting, I welcomed the programme of reform being undertaken by the Palestinian Authority and commended progress made to date in what is an extremely challenging environment.

The importance of intra-Palestinian reconciliation and democratic legitimacy, including elections, was discussed during the meeting between my predecessor, then Tánaiste Micheál Martin, when he met with President Abbas during his visit to the oPt in September 2023.