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Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 November 2020

Wednesday, 11 November 2020

Questions (109, 110)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

109. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps taken by his Department to ensure no further demolitions of homes or schools in Masafer Yatta in the West Bank which are funded by Irish Aid and the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35504/20]

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Catherine Connolly

Question:

110. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised the issue of the demolitions of homes and schools in Masafer Yatta in the West Bank with the Israeli ambassador to Ireland and-or with his EU counterparts; if he considers that Ireland should be compensated for the funding provided by Irish Aid for these demolished structures in order to use this to provide support to the families that have been made homeless; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35505/20]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 109 and 110 together.

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.

I am deeply concerned by an acceleration in demolitions in 2020. Demolitions and seizures of Palestinian property are continuing, 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 actions, 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. In my statements of 16 October and 6 November, I called on Israel to halt demolitions and allow for legal construction for Palestinian residents. I have also raised the issue on my visits to the region. With regard to the villages mentioned, Irish officials have been following the issue closely. Ireland’s Ambassador in Tel Aviv has directly 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 Office in Ramallah visited Masafer Yatta on 19 October and a number of other sensitive sites in recent weeks.

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.

While my primary concern is the hardship and injustice that demolitions and confiscations cause for Palestinian families, it is important 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.To date, the Consortium has sought compensation of over €625,000 from the Israeli authorities in respect of confiscated or demolished assets.

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