Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 July 2020
63. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps he will take to expedite the recognition of the state of Palestine before it is too late in view of the threat of annexation by Israel. [18120/20]
View answerThe Programme for Government states that the Government will “Honour our commitment to recognise the State of Palestine as part of a lasting settlement of the conflict, or in advance of that, when we believe doing so will progress efforts to reach a two-state solution or protect the integrity of Palestinian territory”.
In recognition of the lack of progress towards a two-state solution, I have been clear that I would be prepared to recommend to the Government early recognition by Ireland of a State of Palestine, if and when it might be helpful. This is an issue where there could be benefits to moving in step with EU partners, and it is a matter that I discuss regularly with EU colleagues.
However, recognition by Ireland outside the context of an overall peace agreement would also undoubtedly affect Ireland’s influence on the Israel-Palestine conflict at EU and international level. Timing and context would affect whether this loss of influence would be matched by delivering a commensurate benefit for the Palestinian people and a positive impact on the peace process. I am continuing to monitor the situation closely.
On the issue of annexation, I have been forthright in my public statements and Ireland has made every effort over the past year to discourage this step. The unilateral annexation by Israel of any part of the occupied Palestinian territory would be a clear violation of international law. It would have no legitimacy, and would not be recognised or accepted by Ireland, or by the international community more generally, and would be deeply damaging to the two-state solution. The Programme for Government states that the Government would “regard any such moves as a breach of international law and would consider an appropriate response to them at both national and international level.”
