54. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 36 of 28 July 2026, the number of occasions her Department, and Representative Office in Ramallah, has raised the status of a person (details supplied) with Israeli authorities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61413/26]

I thank the Deputy for raising the case of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya. I have previously expressed my concern following reports over the summer of a further deterioration in the condition of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya. I take this opportunity to reiterate that concern.

Ireland continues to monitor developments in this case, including through our Representative Office in Ramallah and our Embassy in Tel Aviv. In recent weeks, Embassy Tel Aviv has raised the issue with the EU Delegation in Tel Aviv.

Ireland condemns, in the strongest terms, all forms of torture and ill-treatment. The deliberate targeting of health facilities and healthcare professionals is a violation of international humanitarian law. Humanitarian workers must be protected at all times as they carry out their life-saving work in Gaza. I again wish to commend the bravery of the doctors, nurses, paramedics and other healthcare professionals who continue to work in appalling conditions to carry out their duties. I also note once more with admiration the continued advocacy of healthcare workers in Ireland for their counterparts in Palestine.

Ireland continues to call on Israel to comply with international law, stressing the universal applicability of international law, including humanitarian law. There is an urgent need for further humanitarian aid, as well as meeting the huge challenge of recovery and reconstruction in Gaza. Israel must immediately remove restrictions on aid access and facilitate essential supplies and services to reach people across the Gaza Strip. During Ireland’s EU Presidency, we will seek to ensure that focus is maintained on the dire humanitarian needs in Gaza in EU discussions.