Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 May 2024
113. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to outline the details of his recent visit to the Middle East; the outcome of discussions with the different groups he met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20100/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI travelled to Egypt and Jordan from 23 – 25 April 2024 as part of this Government’s continued efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the wider Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Both Egypt and Jordan are at the forefront of regional and international efforts to halt the conflict in Gaza, address the dire humanitarian situation and resume a meaningful political pathway.
The programme included meetings with Egyptian Foreign Minister, Sameh Shoukry in Cairo and with Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ayman Safadi in Amman, along with visits to humanitarian partners at the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, and to UNRWA programmes supporting Palestine refugees in Jordan.
My meetings with the Egyptian and Jordanian Foreign Ministers, as well as with King Abdullah of Jordan, focused on our collective efforts to bring about an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages and full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza. We discussed how Ireland can support regional efforts to return to a political pathway towards a sustainable and peaceful resolution of this conflict and a two-state solution, including through building support for the Arab Peace Vision with European partners, advocating for full membership of the United Nations for Palestine, and a decision by a number of European partners on the recognition of a Palestinian State.
I travelled to the Rafah crossing at the border of Egypt and the Gaza Strip, where I met with representatives of humanitarian partners, including UN OCHA, UNRWA and the Egyptian Red Crescent, and witnessed first-hand the unacceptable restrictions Israel continues to impose, which impede a comprehensive humanitarian response in Gaza.
My engagement on the ground with UNRWA in Egypt and Jordan made clear its irreplaceable and indispensable role, not only for the humanitarian response in Gaza, but in ensuring regional stability by providing for the human and economic development of almost 6 million Palestinian refugees across the region.
