Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I feel like I am repeating myself here, but I must bring up the freedom flotilla again today. I spoke about it last week. For those who do not know, this is a convoy of ships staffed by doctors, nurses, activists and human rights observers dedicated to breaking the illegal siege of Gaza in order that they can deliver lifesaving food and medical supplies to starving Palestinian civilians. These volunteers are drawn from all over the world. I believe there is an Irishman on board. There are also relatives of important freedom fighters like Che Guevara and Nelson Mandela. Their intended action is being blocked because of US pressure on Turkey, where the flotilla's boats are currently docked, and on the nations whose flags those boats are flying. This is why it is being blocked. It is about the flags.

Delaying the delivery of aid will have deadly consequences for the people of Gaza. We all know Israel is using starvation and disease as weapons of war. This is blatantly a war crime and clearly violates the provisional measures the International Court of Justice imposed on Israel in response to the case taken by South Africa under the genocide convention. Ireland has joined calls for the blocking of aid to stop and we have, thankfully, refused to go along with the now thoroughly debunked attempted smearing of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, UNRWA. I am very glad to hear we have increased our support for that vital organisation. I am very proud of this action.

I do believe, however, that Ireland should allow the freedom flotilla boats to undertake their journey flying our flag. This would be fantastic. We cannot just allow Israel to veto the delivery of lifesaving aid. We cannot allow efforts to deliver lifesaving aid to be blocked by Israel's allies. We should break the siege and save the children of Gaza from a prolonged and agonising death from hunger. It really would be fantastic if Ireland would allow the freedom flotilla boats to sail while flying our flag. This is my request today. If we act, I believe others will follow. Go raibh míle maith agat.