Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2016
356. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if, following the meeting of European leaders on 11 April 2016, he will discuss the escalation of demolitions by Israeli authorities of Palestinian homes and humanitarian aid in the West Bank; if he will provide a summary of this meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8012/16]
View answerIreland has consistently highlighted and opposed, at EU level and elsewhere, the Israeli policies of land seizures, demolition of homes, eviction of families and destruction of humanitarian assistance in the West Bank. These policies are unjust, contrary to international law, deeply provocative, and destructive of the prospects for a peace agreement. Ireland, as well as the EU, the United States and others, have noted that these policies are fundamentally incompatible with a genuine commitment to seeking peace and an end to the conflict, and raise serious questions about the intentions of the Israeli Government. An official level Working Group in Brussels on 11 April heard assessments of these issues on the ground, in the context of both direct dialogue with Israel on these issues and internal EU consideration of our own response. Discussion on both of these aspects continues.
