Ciara Duff

ALT Anyone who wishes peace for Israel, Gaza and the wider Middle East, must welcome the peace proposal announced in the White House yesterday. I thank President Trump for his efforts to end the conflict in Gaza, secure the release of remaining hostages and ensure the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The commitment of significant countries in the region to work with President Trump to finalise the agreement and to ensure its implementation in a manner that ensures peace, security and stability for the peoples of the region is also welcome and encouraging. I hope that it can provide a basis for progress towards peace in Gaza and a wider settlement in the region, including a two-state solution, the only viable way forward. We know from our experience in Ireland, that any peace process needs to be inclusive, and to respect and reflect the identities and aspirations of all parties.

ALT The Palestinian people, like the people of Israel, must be at the heart of any sustainable agreement that can deliver lasting peace. I welcome that this proposal makes clear that there can be no displacement of the people of Gaza, no occupation of Gaza by Israel, and that Hamas will not be part of the political future. For now, I hope that all parties take the opportunity provided by publication of the plan to bring about an immediate ceasefire, bringing relief to the people of Gaza who have endured so much over the past two years. Aid must be allowed into Gaza unhindered, delivered by the UN and its agencies and the Red Crescent, and the process of rebuilding vital infrastructure, including water and sewage, must begin. It is imperative that the remaining hostages, dead and alive, will be returned to their families who deserve to have their loved ones home. The plan is an opportunity to change the narrative and to work for a lasting solution. I hope that it will not be lost