West Bank illegal settlements: 'Ireland should withdraw Ambassador from Israel'

» John Hedges

An Phoblacht Editor

The move by Tel Aviv is retaliation for United Nations upgrading Palestine’s diplomatic status

SINN FÉIN has called for Ireland’s Ambassador to Israel to be recalled in protest against the Israeli Government’s decision to build another 3,000 illegal settler homes that would effectively cut the West Bank in two.

The move by Tel Aviv is in retaliation for the United Nations upgrading last week of Palestine’s diplomatic status at the UN and giving de facto recognition of Palestine statehood.

UN chief Ban Ki-moon warned the expansionist aggression could wipe out peace hopes.

Germany and Russia have criticised the Israeli plans while France, Britain, and Sweden have already summoned the Israeli ambassadors in their countries as a protest.

SeanCroweGPO2010 Sinn Féin Foreign Affairs spokesperson Seán Crowe TD (right) said that Ireland needs to send out a strong message and exert “maximum pressure”.

The new settlement colonies will be built in the highly contentious E1 area of the West Bank, the only geographical connection that remains between Jerusalem and the West Bank.

Settlement building in this area threatens to cut off Palestinian access to East Jerusalem, removing the possibility of East Jerusalem becoming the capital of any future Palestinian state.

“This possibility puts a two-state solution in real jeopardy,” Seán Crowe said.

“Israel needs to recognise that the vast majority of the international community support a two-state solution and it needs to begin inclusive and productive negotiations with elected Palestinian representatives immediately.”

Gerry Adams profile Meanwhile, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD (right) has described the Israeli Government’s decision as “a deliberate snub to the international community and a serious blow to diminishing hopes of a two-state settlement”.