Escalating violence in Jerusalem and Gaza is appalling

Labour Foreign Affairs spokesperson Brendan Howlin has condemned the recent actions of the Israeli government which has led to an escalation of violence in East Jerusalem and Gaza, called for an end to belligerent action, and he will question the Minister for Foreign Affairs later today in the Dáil about the actions the Irish Government will take.

Deputy Howlin said:

“The Labour Party is appalled by the escalation of violence in East Jerusalem and Gaza, including the deaths of civilians many of whom are children. This is directly related to the actions of Israel in Haram al-Sharif and Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhoods where there has recently been an acceleration of attempts by Israeli settler organisations to illegally take control of hundreds of Palestinian homes.

“I welcome reports that the Minister has summoned the Israeli Ambassador, and I would urge Minister Coveney when they meet to express the opposition of the Irish government and the Irish people to the activities taking place including evictions that has led to an escalation of violence.

“Aware of the root causes of this violence, the Labour Party is also calling on the Minister for Foreign Affairs to take a number of immediate actions.

“The Minister, on behalf of the Irish government must publicly condemn the forcible evictions of families taking place in east Jerusalem, and write to his counterpart in the Israeli government, Mr. Gabi Ashkenazi, demanding the end to these attempted evictions.

“I am also asking Minister Coveney to engage with the Palestinian Ambassador to offer the assistance of the Irish government to her and her government in opposing this activity.

“It is important now for everybody to remain calm and I call on the Israeli authorities and Hamas to cease any further belligerent action.

“It is also important that Minister Coveney raise the matter with the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Mr. Josep Borrell, with a request that the matter be on the agenda on the next meeting of EU foreign ministers, with a view to creating an EU wide consensus on opposition to this activity.”