Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 November 2012
189. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he would support the plight of the Palestinian people and to work at ending the slaughter that is happening in Gaza right now; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53032/12]
View answerIn statements on 15 and 18 November, I expressed my deep concern at the upsurge of conflict in and around Gaza and called for an immediate ceasefire and an ending of attacks in both directions.
On 19 November, I discussed the situation in Gaza with my EU colleagues at the Foreign Affairs Council, and the Council issued Conclusions on this issue. The Council also supported the efforts of the Government of Egypt and others to talk to both sides and bring about a restored ceasefire.
Thankfully, unlike on some previous occasions, these intensive efforts bore fruit fairly rapidly and a ceasefire came into effect last Wednesday evening, 21 November. At present, this appears to be holding.
I have emphasized before that the underlying problems of Gaza must be addressed if conflict of this kind is to be avoided in future. The present ceasefire agreement amounts essentially to a truce. It includes, however, provision for discussion of these wider issues. This would hold out hope for a substantial relaxation of the blockade of Gaza, something approaching normality for the lives of its citizens and in return a genuine and lasting end to attacks directed from Gaza against Israeli towns and cities.
I very much hope that these provisions will be acted on urgently and creatively, so that the newly achieved cessation of violence can be more than just a pause and lead instead to a lasting improvement in the security and other conditions under which the people of both Gaza and Israel live.
