Foreign Affairs | Peaceful resolution to the conflict in the Middle East

QUESTION

To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he continues to encourage a peaceful resolution in the conflict in the Middle East along with his other EU and UN partners; the extent to which he remains satisfied that measures can be put in place whereby agreed parties can submit their issues to an authoritative body capable of making a serious contribution to a permanent and peaceful settlement; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

REPLY

I have been engaging intensively with EU, regional and international partners, including the US, since the beginning of this crisis in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. During all of these engagements I have conveyed the same message: there is an urgent need for a sustainable humanitarian ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages, and full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access, with a significant and sustained scale-up of humanitarian supplies into Gaza. All of Ireland’s diplomatic efforts are focused on these core needs.

It is also important that our efforts aimed at addressing the immediate crisis also lay the foundation for a pathway towards a sustainable peace in the long term. Ireland’s focus is on seeking to find a way to change the reality on the ground and to protect and encourage a peace process that can deliver a two-State solution. 

Some of my more recent actions include intensive discussions with senior members of US Congress, EU counterparts, Arab partners, and the core provider of aid in Gaza, the UN Reliefs and Works Agency (UNRWA). I also visited the region on 23-24 April; my visit to Egypt included the Rafah crossing, Al Arish Humanitarian Hub and Al Arish Hospital, where I saw first-hand the dire need to increase access for humanitarian aid. I will continue to advocate at every level for an immediate sustainable ceasefire, the release of hostages and the provision of safe, unimpeded and effective humanitarian access.