Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 June 2023
51. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what engagement he and his Department have had at EU Council level and with Cabinet colleagues in relation to human rights abuses of Palestinians annexed by the present Israeli regime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28753/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI continue to raise the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory as a matter of priority with my EU colleagues.
At the Foreign Affairs Council on 23 January, I, along with my EU counterparts, met with the Palestinian Prime Minister, Mohammad Shtayyeh, and Foreign Minister, Riad Malki. This was a welcome and timely engagement, particularly in light of the deteriorating security situation and the impact on human Rights. On 8 March, the European Union expressed its deep concern at the increasing violence and extremism in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, which are leading to rising numbers of Israeli and Palestinian victims, including children. Most recently, the EU Foreign Affairs Council discussed ongoing developments at its meeting in April.
I also welcome that the EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Eamon Gilmore, travelled to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory last week. During his programme, he discussed a range of issues with Palestinian and Israeli authorities including the use of lethal force by IDF, civilian deaths, settler violence, the need for accountability, settlements, demolitions, and gender equality and women's rights.
My Department engages on a consistent basis with other Departments with a view to implementing the Programme for Government as it relates to the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, including providing advice as part of a whole-of-Government approach to the policy of differentiation.
