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Middle East Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 April 2018

Tuesday, 17 April 2018

Ceisteanna (179, 182, 183, 185, 190, 193, 194)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

179. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the diplomatic steps he has taken against Israel in order to express the Irish population's outrage at the slaughter of civilians in Gaza and its ongoing consistent and flagrant breaches of international law. [15587/18]

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Niall Collins

Ceist:

182. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action he will take following the recent violence in Gaza which resulted in a significant number of casualties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15631/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

183. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Ireland has raised in international fora or as a member of the European Union, the killing of civilians by Israeli troops recently during clashes at the Gaza and Israeli border; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15709/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

185. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has raised recent events in the Gaza Strip with the Government and Ambassador of Israel; his plans to pursue an international investigation into the deaths and violence which have occurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15748/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

190. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position with regard to the recent violence at the Gaza-Israeli border which has left a large number of persons dead and injured; if he has raised the issue of disproportionate use of force by the IDF against protesters with the Israeli Embassy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15888/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Seán Haughey

Ceist:

193. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action he plans to take regarding the suppression by Israel of the recent peaceful protest by Palestinians in Gaza; if he will condemn these actions by Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15909/18]

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Seán Crowe

Ceist:

194. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to Israel's recent targeting of Palestinians in Gaza (details supplied); and the actions he will take in this regard.. [16221/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 179, 182, 183, 185, 190, 193 and 194 together.

I have been greatly concerned by the events in Gaza over recent weeks, and especially by the appalling number of serious injuries and deaths to people engaged in demonstrations.

Every country is entitled to defend its border, but the use of force, and particularly deadly force, must only be used as a last resort and should be proportionate to a real and immediate threat. Israel is legitimately vigilant when there are mass demonstrations close to its border with Gaza. However, the number and nature of casualties in recent weeks, arising from the use of live ammunition, is difficult to understand.

I issued two public statements in relation to these incidents, on 31 March and on 9 April. I called on all sides to show restraint, particularly Israeli forces in their use of force. And I supported the calls by the EU and by the UN Secretary General for an independent and transparent investigation into these events. The Irish Ambassador in Israel has made Ireland’s concerns known to the Israeli authorities.

I would also stress that, as I have made clear in all my contacts in the region, the situation in Gaza is untenable. If the cycle of violence and depression in the Strip is not ended, events of this nature will inevitably recur. The long-standing blockade cannot be accepted as normal. It is for this reason that, in my visits to Gaza and in my many contacts at EU and international level, I have been particularly active in trying to encourage and promote international interest and alternative approaches. I will continue to make this a priority in my work.

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