Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 October 2024
22. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs whether he has discussed with his counterparts in the US the ongoing provision of arms and weapons to Israel which are being used in what the International Court of Justice has called a “plausible genocide in Gaza”, in military raids in the West Bank and now in the Israeli military assault on Lebanon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40656/24]
View answer54. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will condemn the United States for supplying extensive military and political support for Israel as it continues its genocide in Gaza and invasion of Lebanon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40655/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 54 together.
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.
I welcome the very clear position of President Biden that a diplomatic solution is the only path to 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.
