Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 November 2023
60. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he has had opportunities to try and persuade the warring factions in the Middle East to desist in their current activities. [49982/23]
View answerI have engaged at a bilateral level with several partners in the region. I have spoken with my Iranian counterpart and urged him in the strongest terms to bring his influence to bear in avoiding regional escalation and in insisting on the immediate and unconditional release of hostages. I have also spoken with the Defence Minister of Lebanon, Maurice Sleem. I underlined our concern about the current situation at the Lebanon-Israel border and Hezbollah’s role in the conflict. I also discussed the role of our troops in UNIFIL and emphasised the importance of their safety and security. I have also spoken with my Palestinian, Israeli, Egyptian, Jordanian, Saudi, Qatari and Emirati counterparts, and am in ongoing contact with other EU Foreign Ministers.
I am undertaking a visit to Egypt, Israel, and the occupied Palestinian territory from 14-16 November, during which I will have further opportunities to engage and encourage progress on an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and release of hostages, as well as other priority issues such as the exit of Irish citizens from Gaza.
I welcome that other partners have also been engaged in diplomatic efforts to avoid a regional escalation. I note in particular the intensive efforts of the United States, including visits by Secretary State Anthony Blinken to the region to engage with regional partners.
It is important that the efforts of the international community aimed at addressing the immediate crisis also lay the foundation for the path towards a sustainable peace in the long term. I will continue to underline this point in my ongoing engagement with EU, regional and international partners
