Joe Flaherty
Ceist:88. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for a report on his recent visit to Egypt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20767/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 9 May 2024
Ceisteanna (88, 97, 102)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:97. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent visit to UNRWA projects in the Middle East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20595/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Robert Troy
Ceist:102. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for a report on his recent visit to the Middle East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20904/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 88, 97 and 102 together.
I travelled to Egypt and Jordan from 23 – 25 April 2024 as part of the Government’s continued efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the wider Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Both Egypt and Jordan are at the forefront of regional and international efforts to halt the conflict in Gaza, address the dire humanitarian situation and resume progress towards a meaningful political pathway.
My meetings with the Egyptian and Jordanian Foreign Ministers, as well as with King Abdullah of Jordan, focused on our collective efforts to bring about an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza. We discussed how Ireland can support regional efforts to return to a political pathway towards a sustainable and peaceful resolution of this conflict and a two-state solution, including through building support for the Arab Peace Plan with European partners, advocating for full membership of the United Nations for Palestine, and encouraging a collective decision by a number of European partners to recognise the State of Palestine.
I travelled to the Rafah crossing at the border of Egypt and the Gaza Strip, where I met with representatives of humanitarian partners, including UN OCHA, UNRWA and the Egyptian Red Crescent, and witnessed first-hand the unacceptable restrictions Israel imposes which impede a comprehensive humanitarian response in Gaza.
My engagement on the ground with UNRWA, both in respect of Gaza and during my visit to the Al Talbieh camp in Jordan, made clear its irreplaceable and indispensable role, not only for the humanitarian response in Gaza, but in ensuring regional stability by providing for the human and economic development of almost 6 million Palestinian refugees across the region.