Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 January 2016
296. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he regards the Israeli confiscation of land and forced transfer of Palestinian Bedouins from the E1 area of the West Bank as contrary to international law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3747/16]
View answer297. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has requested Israel to unequivocally clarify that it will not forcibly transfer Palestinian Bedouin from the El area of the West Bank or seize any land in this area for settlement expansion; if he discussed this during his December 2015 visit to Tel Aviv, Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3748/16]
View answerI propose to answer Questions Nos. 296 and 297 together.
I have consistently made very clear my opposition to and condemnation of the whole process of settlement expansion in the occupied Palestinian territory, including the related policies of land seizures and forced transfer of population which are an inherent element of the settlement programme. These processes are clearly contrary to international law, and work directly contrary to efforts to secure a lasting peace in the area.
These views have been expressed in statements at national and EU level, in interventions at UN and other international fora, and directly to the Israeli authorities at all appropriate opportunities, at both political and diplomatic level. Both Ireland and the EU have asked Israel not to proceed with its planned forcible transfer of Bedouins from the E1 and other nearby areas.
The Foreign Affairs Council adopted Conclusions on the Middle East at its meeting on 15 January, including expressing the EU’s clear opposition to evictions and forced transfers of Bedouins, and the need for a fundamental change of policy by Israel in relation to Area C. Ireland was instrumental in the adoption of this language.
I did not visit Israel in December 2015.
