Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 June 2024
20. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update on the latest engagements with the EU that his Department has been involved in regarding the Israeli onslaught in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26976/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra39. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the initiatives within the European Union to achieve a ceasefire, humanitarian aid and a lasting settlement in the Israeli/Palestine conflict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27586/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra52. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he continues, unilaterally or through the aegis of the EU/UN, to influence the situation in the Middle East, with particular reference to the setting up of a permanent peace process to which Israeli and Palestinians can refer their grievances on a regular basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27528/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 39 and 52 together.
Since the beginning of this crisis, I have been in regular contact with my counterparts in European Union Member States and the EU institutions, pressing the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, and full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access. Ireland has also consistently pushed for the EU position to evolve in line with developments on the ground, including by requesting a review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement and an urgent meeting of the EU-Israel Association Council to raise our concerns with Israel directly, as well as the introduction of sanctions against violent West Bank settlers. Additionally, along with other Member States, I have called on the EU to urgently release funding for the Palestinian Authority and for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
I share the assessment that the European Union can and should do much more to use the levers at its disposal to exert pressure on Israel. Full consideration must be given by the EU to all the options available. This remains a priority for our continuing engagement at EU level.
On Monday, 24 June, I attended the Foreign Affairs Council of the EU where I shared these perspectives with other EU Member States and the Commission. I welcome that there was political agreement at that meeting to introduce additional sanctions against violent West Bank settlers - both individuals and organisations.
At the May Foreign Affairs Council, Arab partners presented their ‘Vision for Peace’ proposal, which Ireland supports. I discussed the EU's active engagement with that proposal with the EUSR for the Middle East, Sven Koopmans, during the most recent FAC meeting in Luxembourg on Monday and underlined Ireland's view that we should fully support the principles underlying this plan. I also attended a meeting hosted by Norway and Saudi Arabia last month in Brussels to discuss ongoing international peace efforts and held constructive discussions with EU and regional partners.
I will continue my intensive engagement with EU partners to take concrete steps which demonstrate the Union’s commitment to the restoration of a political horizon in the region and realisation of the two-State solution.
