Ireland’s position on the Middle East Peace Process and the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory is informed by international law, respect for human rights and the goal of a two-state solution through a negotiated peace agreement.
Ireland has been consistently vocal in its opposition to settlement expansion and annexation. The Government's support for the Dáil motion earlier this year reflected our grave concern about the scale and character of settlements and their negative impact. We will continue to proactively raise these issues at EU level, in national and EU statements, at the UN Human Rights Council, the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council, and in our bilateral contacts.
The Middle East Peace Process remains a key priority for Ireland during our term on the Security Council. Ireland engages actively in monthly meetings on the situation in the Middle East. I addressed meetings of the Council on this issue in January and May this year. As part of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council this month, I chaired a dialogue between the Security Council and the League of Arab States on 22 September, during which I underlined the need for strong regional engagement on the MEPP and a reinvigoration of the political track, which is vital to advance peace. I had further discussions on the MEPP in my bilateral meetings with Foreign Ministers last week at the UN.
This week, Ireland is chairing the Council’s monthly meeting on the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question. This meeting will focus on the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2334, which includes the issue of illegal settlements, violence against civilians and de-escalation and reversal of negative trends on the ground.
I have been clear in my engagement with both Israel and the Palestinian Authority of the commitment of this Government to advancing a two-State solution for a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Ireland remains firmly committed to a negotiated two-state solution based on international law, relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and agreed parameters.
