Middle East

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022

Tuesday, 26 July 2022

Questions (879)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

879. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he anticipates that a settlement would have to include an arrangement for the return of Palestinian refugees to the property they themselves or their forebears left behind or were forced to leave in the context of his Department’s commitment to recognise a State of Palestine as part of a lasting settlement; his views on whether the principle that both first generation refugees and their descendants have a right to return to their property and that this is firmly entrenched in international law; his further views on whether the apartheid framework operated by Israel in denying Palestinian refugees their right of return while at the same time giving those of Jewish descent an automatic right to immigrate to Israel and gain Israeli citizenship is further evidence of the ethnic cleansing taking place and another major obstacle to a future settlement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39675/22]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Ireland remains firmly committed to a negotiated two-State solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that ends the occupation that began in 1967, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States, on the basis of international law, including relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

A lasting settlement must include the resolution of all permanent status issues. This includes the issue of refugees, which only the parties can resolve through negotiations, with the support of the international community.

I have been consistently forthright in expressing concern regarding the unequal treatment of Palestinians in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. Ireland will continue to raise our concerns regarding discriminatory practices towards the Palestinian people on a regular basis directly with the Israeli authorities, including during visits to the region, as well as at EU and UN level. I have visited the region on five occasions and have raised these issues bilaterally with my Israeli counterparts during those visits.

The overall human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territory remains a key priority for me as Minister for Foreign Affairs. Ireland will continue to take every opportunity to stress the need for respect for human rights and full accountability, in particular in our role as a member of the UN Security Council. I am committed to working with partners to promote coherent and effective action towards a lasting and peaceful two-State solution.

Question No. 880 answered with Question No. 855.

Question No. 881 answered with Question No. 855.