Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Trade Brendan Smith says he is deeply concerned about the escalating violence in Jerusalem and the most recent spate of stabbings and shootings, several of which have been fatal. Deputy Smith has condemned the attacks on both sides and is calling on Palestinian and Israeli leaders to show leadership and resist fanning the flames of an extremely volatile situation.

“The upsurge in violence and the continuing instability in the region is a cause of grave concern and needs to be properly addressed. Every effort must be made to broker peace in the region and the international community must take new initiatives to advance the Middle East Peace Process.

“Ireland was the first European Union Member State to declare that a solution to the conflict in the Middle East had to be based on a fully sovereign State of Palestine, independent of and co-existing with Israel. Fianna Fáil in Government launched that policy position in 1980.

“Fianna Fáil continues to support all efforts to achieve a two state solution. Without renewed efforts to establish this, lasting peace will not be achieved”.