Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 March 2024
72. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of his engagement to date both at bilateral level with his Israeli counterpart, and at EU level, with regard to the designation in October 2021 of six Palestinian human rights organisations as terrorist groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11188/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has repeatedly expressed serious concern on the matter of the designation of six Palestinian NGOs as terrorist organisations by Israel in October 2021, including in bilateral contacts with Israel. The Foreign Ministries of Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Sweden and The Netherlands issued a joint statement in support of the civil society organisations in July 2022 and again in August 2022.
This decision included organisations in receipt of support from Irish Aid and the EU. Ireland continues to work closely with our EU partners on the issue. As previously stated, no substantial information was received from Israel to justify reviewing our policy towards the six NGOs.
We remain fully committed to supporting and funding civil society organisations and human rights defenders in Palestine as a key part of our support for the Palestinian people, and in the context of the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.
Ireland will continue to support Palestinian civil society organisations and human rights defenders and the critical role they play in promoting international law, peace, human rights and democratic values.
