I propose to take Questions Nos. 617, 619, 622 and 625 to 627, inclusive, together.
I am deeply concerned by developments in Masafer Yatta in the occupied West Bank, which could amount to the forcible transfer of over 1,000 Palestinians. I again urge the Israeli Government not to proceed with any planned demolitions and evictions, and to abide by its obligations under international law. The forcible transfer of a civilian population of an occupied territory is prohibited under international humanitarian law.
Ireland has been active in raising the issue of evictions, and Masafer Yatta specifically, including during our tenure on the UN Security Council. On 13 May 2022, Ireland, along with fourteen other European countries, issued a statement urging the Israeli authorities not to proceed with these evictions. Ireland’s Representative Office in Ramallah visited the communities affected on 7 July 2022. Ireland consistently raises the issue of evictions and demolitions in engagements with Israel at both official and political level.
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.
The Government has been consistently vocal in its opposition to illegal Israeli settlements and their expansion in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Settlement expansion, demolitions and evictions clearly violate international law, undermine prospects for a two-State solution and are a major obstacle to a just, lasting and comprehensive peace.