Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 October 2014
404. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has been in contact with the Israeli Prime Minister in the aftermath of recent attacks on Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36516/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra408. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his discussions with other Heads of Government on the issue of Gaza and the other occupied Palestinian territories; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35192/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra416. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has met the Israeli ambassador to discuss developments in Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35668/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 404, 408 and 416 together.
In the context of the ceasefire in Gaza on 26 August, which finally brought to an end the recent disastrous period of conflict, the European Council, at its meeting of 30 August, adopted Conclusions on the situation in Gaza, similar to and reinforcing those adopted by the 15 August extraordinary meeting of Foreign Affairs Council, which I attended.
The European Council welcomed the recent ceasefire, and stressed in particular that efforts must continue to bring about the end of the closure regime operated by Israel, an improvement in the conditions of the people in Gaza, and an end to rocket attacks into Israel. The Council reiterated the EU’s willingness to assist in Gaza, and recalled that Gaza must be part of the comprehensive resolution of the conflict in a two state solution. Further humanitarian and reconstruction aid to Gaza will be discussed at an international conference in Cairo on 12 October, which I will attend.
I have not been in contact with Prime Minister Netanyahu or Foreign Minister Liberman following the cessation of the conflict.
I have met and spoken with the Israeli Ambassador on a number of occasions throughout the recent Gaza crisis, and asked him to convey to his Government our serious concerns about the extent of Israeli military actions in Gaza, which in our view were disproportionate and could not be justified. The same messages were conveyed directly to the Israeli authorities by our Ambassador in Tel Aviv, and in public statements at the UN Human Rights Council and during the special Seanad Éireann debate which I addressed on 31 July. Since the ceasefire I have emphasised, notably in my address to the UN General Assembly last month, that unless the ceasefire is followed by political discussions to achieve a lasting arrangement involving the end of the blockade and an end to missile attacks, the recent dreadful conflict will soon recur.
