I refer the Deputy to Question 27542/22 on the Government’s response to the proposed demolitions at Masafer Yatta. I am deeply concerned by the decision of the Israeli High Court to uphold the eviction order for Palestinians in Masafer Yatta in the West Bank and the confirmation of the designation of the land as a firing zone for the Israeli military. I note the recent injunction at the Israeli Supreme Court with reference to planned demolitions at Khallet Athaba’.
On 13 May Ireland along with fourteen other European countries, issued a statement urging the Israeli authorities not to proceed with these evictions. Ireland will continue to work with our international partners locally to emphasise our concerns to Israel, including in close coordination with our partners in the West Bank Protection Consortium. Ireland consistently raises the issue of evictions and demolitions in engagements with Israel at both official and political level.
Ireland has been proactive in ensuring that this issue is highlighted at the UN Security Council, including at the most recent Council meeting on the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, on 26 May. Ireland again called on Israel to cease evictions and demolitions, including of donor-funded structures, in line with its obligations under international humanitarian law. Ireland reiterated this in a joint statement to the media following the Security Council meeting along with France, Albania and Estonia.
I have expressed my serious concern on the matter of the designation of six Palestinian NGOs as terrorist organisations by Israel. This decision includes organisations in receipt of support from Irish Aid and the EU. Ireland continues to work closely with our EU partners on the issue. Ireland is fully committed to funding civil society organisations and human rights defenders in Palestine as a key part of our support for the Palestinian people
Ireland will continue to support Palestinian civil society organisations and human rights defenders and the critical role they play in promoting international law, peace, human rights and democratic values.
