Human Rights Issues.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 September 2004

Thursday, 30 September 2004

Questions (114)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

115 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the report of the Palestinian centre for human rights for the week 24 to 30 June 2004 which indicates that during that period 17 Palestinians, including two children and a mentally disabled person, were killed by Israeli occupying forces (details supplied); if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the IOF also continued to impose closures and curfews on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, dividing the Gaza Strip into three parts and preventing travel from one part to another; if he has raised these matters with the Israeli authorities; and his views on whether these actions are consistent with the obligations of the Israeli Government in relation to human rights under Article 2 of the Association Agreement between Israel and the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23178/04]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

I am aware of the reports to which the Deputy refers. The Government has, on many occasions, expressed its grave disquiet at the impact of actions taken by the Israeli Government on the human rights of Palestinians. The European Union has also regularly conveyed its concerns to the Israeli authorities at the human rights implications of its security policies. Together with our partners in the Union, we will continue to press the Israeli Government to respect fully its obligations under international humanitarian law, in particular the fourth Geneva Convention, and under Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. Most recently, on 22 September, the Quartet called upon the Government of Israel to take all possible steps now, consistent with Israel's legitimate security needs, to ease the humanitarian and economic plight of the Palestinian people.