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Middle East

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 October 2020

Wednesday, 21 October 2020

Questions (118)

Neasa Hourigan

Question:

118. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to recent reports of the demolition of Palestinian homes in Masafer Yatta on the West Bank that had been funded by EU member states including Irish Aid; his views on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31815/20]

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Written answers

The demolition of Palestinian homes, and demolition or seizure of related structures such as water tanks, wells, solar panels, schools and animal housing, are cruel and unjust actions. These practices also cause suffering to ordinary Palestinians, and impinge on the right of children to an education.

We are concerned by an acceleration in demolitions in 2020. Demolitions and seizures of Palestinian property and humanitarian aid, including Palestinian homes, continue despite previous commitments from Israeli authorities not to target Palestinian residential structures during the Covid-19 pandemic. The only conclusion we can draw from the systematic nature of these policies, especially in areas where illegal Israeli settlements have already been constructed, is that they are aimed at forcing Palestinians off their land. 

Ireland regularly conveys our views on these actions to the Israeli authorities, both directly and through the EU. I have done so myself on my visits to the region. With regard to the specific case the Deputy mentions, Irish officials have been following it closely.  Our Ambassador in Tel Aviv has raised the issue of demolitions with the Israeli authorities in recent weeks, along with a group of EU and non-EU colleagues. Ireland's Representative in Ramallah visited Masafer Yatta on 19 October. 

Ireland is committed to reducing the vulnerability of Palestinian communities living in Area C of the West Bank. Ireland is a member of the West Bank Protection Consortium which plays a leading role in supporting threatened communities and coordinating the provision of essential services to them, including material assistance and legal aid.

It is of additional concern when those structures confiscated or demolished are donor-funded. The practice of demolition and confiscation of humanitarian assets, including education infrastructure, is contrary to Israel’s obligations under International Law, including provisions of international humanitarian law, and in particular the Fourth Geneva Convention. 

My primary concern is the hardship and injustice that demolitions and confiscations cause for Palestinian families. It is important also, however, that the question of recompense for humanitarian relief funded by our taxpayers should also be pursued. Ireland, together with a group of EU Member States, pursue this issue consistently through the West Bank Protection Consortium. It is the practice of the Consortium to raise this directly with the Israeli authorities and to date, the Consortium has sought compensation of over €625,000 in respect of confiscated or demolished assets.

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