Tánaiste Micheál Martin arrives in Israel this evening
Israeli security personel secure the scene after a stabbing attack in Jerusalem last month. Photo: Reuters
Today at 03:30
Tánaiste Micheál Martin has warned of the “worrying escalation of violence” between Israel and Palestine as he embarks on a week-long trip to the region.
Mr Martin is travelling to the Middle East on Monday for a series of high-level political meetings with leaders in Israel, Palestine and Jordan.
The Fianna Fáil leader also plans to meet UN and civil society partners who are providing support for people living in the region.
In Israel, the Tánaiste intends meeting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog and the foreign minister, Eli Cohen.
He will also have a sit-down with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas before travelling to Jordan where engagements will include a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi.
Speaking ahead of the state visit Mr Martin said the trip would be an “important opportunity to see the political, security and human rights situation in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory”.
“There has been a worrying escalation in violence over recent months. Ireland has been consistent in its calls for the protection of civilians and the application of international law.
“This visit will allow the opportunity to directly discuss these issues with political leaders, as well as with Ireland’s civil society partners.”
The visit by the Foreign Minister to Jordan is the first since the opening of Ireland’s embassy in Amman.
“I am looking forward to seeing the strengthened bilateral relationship between us, including Ireland’s support for the Jordan Young Scientist Programme and other innovation initiatives,” Mr Martin said.
“Jordan also hosts a significant number of refugees from Syria, Palestine and elsewhere. I will meet with refugee families and UN partners and reiterate Ireland’s continuing support.”
The Tánaiste will arrive in Israel on Monday evening and will depart from Jordan on Friday.
It is hoped the visit will renew focus at an EU level on the long-running violence in the region which has resulted in the deaths of 200 Palestinians and 30 Israelis this year alone.