Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 29 Jan 2003

Vol. 560 No. 1

Written Answers. - Middle East Affairs.

John Gormley

Question:

319 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has sought an end to Israeli demolition, particularly in the Nazlat Issa where more are planned; if he protested to the Israeli Government about the demolition of businesses on which the local people depend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2116/03]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

I have repeatedly called on the Israeli Government and the Palestinian Authority to pursue the path of peace through negotiations. Most recently, on 27 January, I issued a statement deploring the loss of life resulting from Israeli military action in Gaza on 26 January. It has always been Ireland's position that closures, restrictions on movement and collective punishments are both contrary to international humanitarian law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention, and counterproductive in the search for peace. Demolitions, whether of homes or of businesses, constitute a form of collective punishment. These views have been made known to the Israeli Government and their diplomatic representatives in Ireland on many occasions and have been the subject of numerous statements by the Government.