Bernard Durkan
Question:40. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach to report on any recent discussions he has had with other world leaders in connection with the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. [20564/24]
View answerTuesday, 21 May 2024
Questions (40)
Written answers
As the House will be aware, the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the situation in the Middle East is of great international concern. Since my election as Taoiseach, I have had many discussions on the situation with my international counterparts.
The issue was discussed at the special meeting of the European Council in April, when Leaders committed to working with partners to end the conflict in Gaza without delay, and called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and full, rapid and unhindered access to humanitarian aid at scale.
We also discussed the need to avoid escalation of tensions in the region, notably in Lebanon. We confirmed our determination to support the most vulnerable people in Lebanon, including refugees, internally displaced persons and host communities in need.
While at the European Council, I took the opportunity to engage a number of my counterparts in the margins of the meeting, including on the question of recognition of Palestine.
I have also engaged extensively on the subject in my bilateral engagements, including my meetings with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, and President of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, in Brussels on 11 April.
In my meeting with President von der Leyen, in addition to discussing the very concerning current situation, I raised the letter that the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sanchez, and former Taoiseach Varadkar wrote to her, asking for a review of Israel’s obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement. It remains my expectation that the Commission should carry forward a review as soon as possible.
The situation in the Middle East was the main topic of discussion in my meeting with Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sanchez, during his visit to Dublin on 12 April.
We have remained in close contact in the last number of weeks, including on the question of recognition of Palestine.
Last week I spoke specifically about the Middle East in calls with the Prime Minister of Slovenia, Robert Golob; King Abdullah of Jordan; the Prime Minister of Norway, Jonas Ghar Store; and the President of Israel, Isaac Herzog. The issue also came up in a call with the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese.
In all my conversations I have made clear the Government’s wish to see an immediate ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of hostages and urgent and unhindered access for humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The King of Jordan briefed me on regional efforts to create a context for peace, as well as the considerable and commendable role that Jordan is playing in providing humanitarian relief.
In my conversation with President Herzog, I set out clearly the Government’s position on Gaza, including our deep concern about the potential for catastrophe in Rafah.
I expressed our view that peace and security for Israel and Palestine can only be built on a two-state solution, and outlined Ireland’s intention to recognise the State of Palestine.
I also made clear Ireland’s abhorrence of Hamas and Ireland’s support for the immediate and unconditional release of hostages.
The situation in the Middle East has also come up in conversations with other Leaders including President Zelenskyy of Ukraine and the British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak.
I will continue to avail of every possible opportunity to call for an immediate ceasefire and to express our belief that long-term peace and security for the people of Israel and the people of Palestine can only be achieved through a two-state solution, with an Israeli and a Palestinian State living side-by-side together.
Questions Nos. 41 to 44, inclusive, resubmitted.