Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 November 2020
424. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on and the response to the ongoing vandalism by Israeli forces and settlers against Palestinian-owned olive groves during the olive harvest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38588/20]
View answerThe importance of the olive harvest to the economy in the occupied Palestinian territory is heightened this year due to the impact of Covid-19. I am very concerned by reports over the past few weeks of attacks on olive farmers escalating as the harvesting period takes place.Officials from Ireland’s Representative Office in Ramallah recently visited Palestinian olive farmers in Sinjil-NE Ramallah. Our support is important as farmers face serious challenges during the harvest season, including restrictions on access to lands and settler violence and intimidation.
Ireland's position on settlement expansion is extremely clear. Settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territory is clearly illegal under international law. Ireland continues to call on the Israeli Government to reverse this decision and to halt all settlement construction. Our longstanding support for a Two-State solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains an integral aspect of our foreign policy, which I will continue to prioritise.
