Tánaiste: 'We need to keep channels open' to help resolve Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Having spoken to the highest ranks of Israeli government on Tuesday, Micheál Martin held talks with the Palestinian president on Wednesday

Micheál Martin is welcomed as he visits the Beitunia Vocational School in Ramallah. Picture: Phil Behan/DFA

The Tánaiste was asked on Wednesday whether he considers the words “Apartheid State” an appropriate term to use when describing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

While there is “no doubt” that there is an undermining of human rights for Palestinians, Micheál Martin said, referring to Israel as such does not “add a whole lot in terms of the endeavour to unravel this and to create a proper process”.