Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 March 2024
45. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if an Israeli attack on Rafah would have implications to Ireland’s St. Patrick’s Day arrangements and engagements in the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10253/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is a grave crisis unfolding in the Gaza Strip. The situation in Rafah is simply appalling, and the possibility of Israeli military escalation there, where almost 1.5 million people are sheltering in desperate conditions, would be catastrophic. This cannot be allowed to happen.
Civilians urgently need the fighting to stop, and a significant and sustained increase in humanitarian aid is required as a matter of utmost urgency. There is a high risk of imminent conflict-induced famine. This humanitarian crisis in Gaza is man-made and is completely unacceptable.
I have been engaging intensively with EU, regional and international partners since the beginning of this crisis. I have conveyed the urgent need for a sustainable ceasefire and a significant increase in humanitarian access and supplies into Gaza. Ireland’s diplomatic efforts are focused on these two core objectives, including in light of a possible escalation in Rafah.
At the February meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, 26 EU Member States agreed a statement urging Israel not to proceed with an offensive in Rafah and to abide by the ICJ provisional measures, which are binding, and calling for an immediate humanitarian pause, leading to a sustainable ceasefire.
Ongoing US engagement is essential in finding a solution to the current conflict and restoring a political horizon. During my trip to Washington last month, I raised the situation in the Middle East and clearly laid out Ireland’s position to US senior officials. When the Taoiseach travels to Washington in the coming weeks for his annual St Patrick’s Day trip, he will highlight to President Biden our priorities in this regard, namely calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, increased humanitarian access and the immediate and unconditional release of hostages.
