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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Nov 2002

Vol. 558 No. 3

Written Answers. - Foreign Conflicts.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

110 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action his Department is taking following the shooting of a person (details supplied) by the Israeli army in Jenin on 22 November 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24221/02]

I share the Deputy's concern about the shooting of the person in question on 22 November 2002.

Our ambassador to Israel has made a number of visits to this person in hospital and has been in frequent contact with her family. All possible consular assistance will continue to be provided both to the person herself and to her family.

The embassy in Tel Aviv, on my instructions, made our urgent representations to the Israeli authorities expressing deep concern at this incident and indicating that there could be no justification whatever for the shooting of someone who was clearly visible and who was well known to the Israeli defence forces from her work. The ambassador has emphasised that the Government expects that the matter will be fully investigated and that action will be taken against those responsible.

The Government believes that Israel must respect international human rights law and international humanitarian law, and that it is in Israel's interest to comply with its obligations under international law.

Ireland, along with our EU partners, has reaffirmed that the fourth Geneva convention regarding the protection of civilian persons in time of war is fully applicable to the occupied territories, including east Jerusalem, and constitutes binding international humanitarian law vital for ensuring that protection to civilians is afforded in all circumstances.
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