Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 March 2024
141. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which ongoing efforts continue to establish a peace process in the Middle East, with particular reference to the need for a legally recognised centre to investigate complaints; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11510/24]
View answerI have been engaging intensively with EU, regional and international partners since the beginning of this crisis in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. During all of these engagements I have conveyed the same message: there is an urgent need for a sustainable humanitarian ceasefire and a significant scale-up of humanitarian access and supplies into Gaza. All of Ireland’s diplomatic efforts are focused on these two core needs.
It is also important that our efforts aimed at addressing the immediate crisis also lay the foundation for a pathway 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. I will continue to advocate for a clear position from the EU, which emphasises the need for a sustainable humanitarian ceasefire and remains alive to the evolving situation.
Ireland’s focus is on seeking to find a way to change the reality on the ground and to protect and encourage a peace process that can deliver a two-State solution, which is the Government's priority.
