Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 September 2022
242. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has contacted the Israeli ambassador to Ireland or made any intervention to the Israelian government following the most recent aggression by Israeli armed forces against Palestinian society, individuals and organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44551/22]
View answerThe overall human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territory remains a key priority for me as Minister for Foreign Affairs. Ireland takes every opportunity to stress the need for respect for human rights and full accountability, including regarding the actions of the Israeli security forces.
I draw the attention of the Deputy to the joint statement released by Ireland with the Foreign Ministries of Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden, following the raids of six Palestinian NGOs by the Israeli Defence Forces on 18 August, labelling these actions as unacceptable, expressing concern at the further reduction of civil space in the oPt, and standing firm with NGOs to uphold the right to freedom of expression and association in the oPt.
Following the issuing of this statement, Ireland’s Ambassador in Tel Aviv also took part in a meeting with the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with the EU Delegation and 16 other European states, to express concern over these actions.
I strongly condemned the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh in Jenin on 11 May 2022 as she carried out her vital work as a journalist. Media freedom and the safety of journalists must be protected, including in situations of conflict, and I called for an impartial, independent and effective investigation. Accountability must be ensured and those responsible brought to justice. The use of force against mourners by the Jerusalem police was wholly unacceptable and rightly attracted widespread condemnation.
My Department is in contact on an ongoing basis with the Israeli Ambassador in Dublin and has raised all these issues with her, in addition to our engagement with the Israeli authorities through our Ambassador in Tel Aviv.
