Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 February 2014
14. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the calls for legal action to be taken against the illegal decision of the Israeli Authorities to approve the construction of over 500 apartments in occupied east Jerusalem earlier this month; and the action he will take regarding this escalating attack on Palestinian rights. [7992/14]
View answer31. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on Israel's decision to approve building plans for 558 new homes in the occupied West Bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8108/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 31 together.
I have consistently made very clear the Government’s strong criticism of, and opposition to, Israeli settlements and settlement expansion, which are illegal under international law and constitute an obstacle to peace. The Israeli Government, and Israeli public opinion, are in no doubt whatever about our views on this issue. I strongly condemn the recent announcement by Israel of building permits for 558 new units in East Jerusalem, and I urge the Israeli authorities to reconsider this decision.
On 5 February, High Representative Ashton released a statement on behalf of the European Union expressing deep concern at the announcement and stating that these plans could put at risk the prospects of Jerusalem becoming the capital of two states and, in particular, the territorial contiguity between East Jerusalem and the southern West Bank. In December 2013, the EU Foreign Affairs Council adopted Conclusions which strongly warned against actions that undermine the current negotiations and, in that regard, deplored Israel’s continuous expansion of settlements.
Settlement announcements such as these during the current peace talks have clearly been damaging to confidence in the process. Israel has announced some 5,500 new settlement units since the talks began, a higher rate than before the talks. Although actual construction does not seem to be moving any quicker, demolitions, land seizures and evictions are still continuing.
I made clear my concerns in a statement I issued on 1 November 2013 relating to plans for a further 1,500 settlement units in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. Ireland also provides funding to Israeli and Palestinian NGOs which challenge the legality of settlement construction activities through the courts.
I believe however that the international community should be more forceful in its response to continued settlement expansion.
