Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste for his reply. He might clarify if that means he does or does not share my concern about the EU response. When Russia targeted civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, the European Commission President was unequivocal. She said, "Russian attacks against civilian infrastructure, especially electricity, are war crimes". She continued, "Cutting off men, women, children of water, electricity, and heating, with the winter coming - these are acts of pure terror. And we have to call it as such." War crimes are not defined by the identity of the perpetrator but by the act itself. Cutting off fuel, food, electricity and energy to more than 2 million people is a clear war crime. Not only that, but the Commission President has failed to even publicly express any concern for the more than 2 million Palestinians trapped under relentless bombing.

Previously, the Tánaiste stressed the necessity of working alongside the EU to advance the cause of Palestine, but it is clear that the majority of member states will not speak out against Israel's treatment of Palestine and that the European Commission President has not done that herself. We can play a powerful role as a neutral arbiter if we are willing to act, lead and do so quickly. The people of Gaza do not have the luxury of time. What is the Tánaiste doing at an EU level to work towards an intervention to facilitate a pathway to a ceasefire, talks and peace? What is his position on the EU response?

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