Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 5 Mar 2003

Vol. 562 No. 5

Written Answers - Diplomatic Representation.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

171 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has received information from the Israeli authorities as to the measures which are to be taken in regard to those responsible for the wounding of an Irish citizen (details supplied) in Jenin on 22 November 2002; the response he has received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6443/03]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

The Irish Ambassador to Israel received a response from the Israeli authorities on the matter in question dated 24 December 2002.

The Israeli response states that, as the Irish citizen in question refused to speak to the Israeli authorities investigating the incident, they have not been able to verify the details set out in the note sent to the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs from the Irish Embassy on 26 November 2002.

Specifically, the Israeli authorities say it has not been possible to ascertain the exact place or circumstances in which the individual concerned was wounded. The reply states that following an investigation by the Israeli Defence Forces it was established that armed Palestinian elements were shooting at Israeli forces from immediately adjacent to the UN compound where the individual concerned was seen.

The reply expresses regret for the injury caused to the individual in question and other innocent civilians. It asserts that Israeli military actions on the day in question were directed solely against terrorists.

Regrettably, the response of the Israeli authorities does not meet the concerns raised in our embassy's protest. It is clearly a responsibility of the Israeli occupation forces not to use disproportionate or excessive force in response to perceived threats. Random, or worse targeted, shooting of civilians and international personnel are completely unacceptable. I shall continue to draw the attention of the Israeli authorities to their responsibilities in international law, particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention, and publicly condemn their excesses where merited.