Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2020
375. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised concerns for the safety of Palestinian prisoners who are vulnerable to Covid-19, with the Israeli authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25336/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the concerns that have been raised regarding the treatment of Palestinian detainees, and their particular vulnerability to COVID-19. Irish diplomatic Missions in the region continue to monitor this situation closely, including reports of a small number of positive cases in recent months. More generally, there are well-founded concerns about the treatment of Palestinian prisoners. I myself have raised specific issues, including in relation to detention of minors, during my visits to Israel.
Ireland has repeatedly recalled to Israel the applicability of international human rights standards and international humanitarian law. During the Universal Periodic Review of Israel at the UN Human Rights Council in 2018, Ireland made a recommendation to Israel regarding the treatment of detainees.
More recently, in a statement to the UN Security Council Open Debate on the Situation in the Middle East on 23 April, Ireland underlined the need to ensure respect for international humanitarian law and international human rights law in the context of the pandemic.
I continue to prioritise human rights issues in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. Israeli and Palestinian authorities, as well as the de facto authorities in Gaza, must live up to their obligations under international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
