I refer the Deputy to the answers provided in Question 384 of 21 June and Question 146 of 10 May with regard to Ireland’s position on the recent reports by human rights organisations.
The Middle East Peace Process remains a key foreign policy priority and Ireland makes consistent efforts to support a two-State Solution based on international law, the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and in line with previously agreed parameters. Ireland raises issues of compliance with international law in our bilateral contacts with the Government of Israel and in multilateral fora.
At the UN Security Council, Ireland set out our position most recently on 27 June at the Security Council Briefing on the Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question. Ireland raised the issues of the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements, including at Masafer Yatta, and evictions and demolitions. Additionally, Ireland raised the economic difficulties for the Palestinian people and our concern regarding Israel’s designations of six Palestinian NGOs as terrorist organisations. Ireland also reiterated our concern that Israeli authorities have not yet conducted a criminal investigation into the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh.
If a resolution on reconvening the Special Committee on Apartheid is tabled at the United Nations, Ireland will give consideration to it in co-ordination with our EU partners.
With regard to co-operation with Israel, Ireland distinguishes between the territory of the State of Israel and the territory occupied since 1967, in line with international law and the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. Ireland ensures that bilateral agreements with Israel do not apply to territory occupied by Israel since 1967 and this position is common across Government departments. Ireland’s approach to our relations with Israel is fully consistent with our obligations under international law.
