Madam, – With reference to your article (Home News, August 6th) outlining the Israeli embassy’s criticism of the report by a joint cross-party delegation of members of the Oireachtas Committees on Foreign Affairs and European Affairs, on our recent visit to Gaza, Israel and the Palestinian Territories.
I take serious exception at the remarks by the embassy that the delegation of TDs has failed to show “a comprehensive understanding” of the situation there. The Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs has in the last six months, had a series of public meetings on the recent conflict in Gaza. Our approach to this conflict consistently has been balanced.
I have led a number of delegations to the region, including two visits in the past 18 months. The situation on the ground in Gaza is dire and Oireachtas members have witnessed for ourselves the appalling effects of Israel’s military action and the continuing suffering of the Palestinian people there, men, women and children is plain for all to see.
As winter approaches, there is an urgent need to allow the repair to over 40,000 houses which were damaged during the conflict, and where the simple priority is the need for windows and doors. This can be done immediately under the supervision of the United Nation Reliefs and Works Agency (UNRWA) which is headed up by Irishman, John Ging, who, among others, we met on our most recent visit to Gaza.
Cement required for the completion of 7,000 houses built by UNRWA and sponsored by the international community, including Ireland, should also be let into Gaza as a priority, under United Nations control.
I repeat the delegation’s call for Israel to immediately end illegal settlement activities, including evictions in East Jerusalem. All parties to the conflict should seize the opportunity offered by President Obama’s administration to vigorously pursue peace in the Middle East.
The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs will continue to monitor and prioritise the situation in the Middle East as part of our Work Programme and assist in whatever way we can to achieve a meaningful two-state solution, to achieve peace, security, and economic and social progress in the region. – Yours, etc,