I am deeply concerned by the negative trajectory of the situation on the ground in Palestine, Lebanon and Israel over recent weeks. This remains a central focus of Ireland’s foreign policy and my engagement with my EU and international counterparts.
Regarding the situation in Gaza, the immediate focus of the international community must be on bringing hostilities to an immediate end and for all parties to return to talks aimed at implementing the second phase of the ceasefire and hostage release deal.
It is also central to my engagement with EU partners. I welcome that the HR/VP conveyed a clear message to both Israel and Arab partners during her recent visit to the region. In particular, the call for the full implementation of the ceasefire and hostage release deal, including the release of all hostages, a permanent end to hostilities and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza was a timely and important message conveyed jointly by the HR/VP and Arab and Islamic partners following their meeting on 23 March.
Compliance with international law is also central to Ireland’s approach at EU and international level. Ireland has both bilaterally and at multilateral level, repeatedly called on Israel to comply with international law, stressing the universal applicability of international law, including international humanitarian law. Under international humanitarian law, Israel must protect civilians in Gaza and ensure that the essential needs of the population there are met. Hospitals and health facilities, medical and humanitarian personnel, must be protected.
There must be accountability for all violations of international law, irrespective of the party, and this includes Hamas and the violations for which it is responsible.
